Ponnani: Claiming that he has been tasked with preparing the DPR for launching a high-speed rail line in Kerala, E Sreedharan has opened office. Sreedharan opened the office on his own initiative in Ponnani. The office was inaugurated by his wife Radha, who lit a ceremonial lamp.

Sreedharan claims that Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has asked him to prepare the DPR. However, there has been no official response in this regard from either the Railways or the Minister. The state government has also said that it has not received any information on the matter. Kerala was not included in the seven high-speed railway corridors announced in the recent Union Budget.

Sreedharan said work would begin from today itself, adding that the activities would be carried out without causing inconvenience to the public.

Inspections will be conducted at locations identified as stations, after which survey procedures will be undertaken. These steps will be carried out after convincing local residents, he said. Land acquisition proceedings will follow thereafter.

Sreedharan argued that they have begun preparations in advance because there is a delay in receiving an official announcement on the project. He has proposed a semi–high-speed rail corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur, connecting three airports in the state. Soon after this proposal, the state government had announced another high-speed rail project from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.

Meanwhile, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has called a press conference today. He may clarify the issue of high-speed rail in Kerala during the briefing.