SHORNUR: Railways is rapidly implementing the decision to increase the speed of trains in Kerala to 130 km per hour. The speed of trains will be increased from August 15, 2024. The Railways has invited tenders for the work in four sections to straighten the bends that slow down trains in Malabar.

The railway agency had conducted a survey to check the number and condition of curves. In the project, 288 bends are to be straightened on the Shornur-Mangalore road. As per estimates, the speed of trains can be increased to 130 km after this.

The Kasaragod-Mangaluru work should be completed within eight months and the remaining three reaches within 12 months. Officials hope to complete the work next year. The distance of Shornur-Mangalore route is 310 km. Currently the minimum travel time is 5.49 hours. Some trains, including the Ernad Express, take around seven hours. Straightening the curve will save more time.

Curves to be straightened

Shornur- Kozhikode: 81
Kozhikode- Kannur: 84
Kannur-Kasarkode: 85
Kasaragod-Mangaluru: 38