Palakkad: In a major boost to Kerala’s long-awaited high-speed rail dream, veteran engineer E Sreedharan said Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw has given verbal approval to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the project. He added that groundwork has already begun and a project office will open in Ponnani on February 2.

Sreedharan said the decision came during his meeting with the railway minister while seeking the inclusion of the Nanjangud rail line in the Union Budget. Since official clearance could take time, the team has decided to move ahead with preparations.

How fast will Kerala’s high-speed train run?

The project was earlier planned with a top speed of 350 kmph, but it has now been redesigned to run at a maximum speed of 200 kmph. Stations will come up every 20 to 25 km, making the service more accessible across the state. In total, the corridor will have 22 stations.

Which cities and towns will get stations?

The stations will be located at Thiruvananthapuram Central, Thiruvananthapuram Airport, Varkala, Kollam, Kottarakkara, Adoor, Chengannur, Kottayam, Vaikom, Ernakulam (near Palarivattom Bridge), Aluva, Nedumbassery, Thrissur, Kunnamkulam, Edappal, Tirur, Malappuram (Karipur Airport), Kozhikode (near railway station), Koyilandy, Vadakara, Thalassery and Kannur.

How much will the project cost and who will pay?

The estimated cost of the project is ₹86,000 crore, which could rise to ₹1 lakh crore. Railways will bear 51 per cent of the cost, while the remaining ₹60,000 crore will be shared by the Centre and the Kerala government. The project is expected to be completed within 5 years, with a construction cost of around ₹200 crore per kilometre.

Details about the train and track

Initially, trains will run with eight coaches and a seating capacity of 560 passengers, which can be increased later based on demand. The line will be built on standard gauge tracks and will not connect with existing railway lines. Freight trains will not operate on this corridor.

High-speed rail system will help reduce accidents and also lower travel costs for passengers.

Around 70 per cent of the track will be elevated, while 20 per cent will run through tunnels. The line will connect major airports across Kerala. Sreedharan said land acquisition will be minimal, and land under pillars will be returned after construction. While permanent structures (houses) will not be allowed, agricultural use will continue.

Sreedharan also added that discussions with the Kerala government have not yet taken place and that the Railway Ministry is expected to make an official announcement within the next 15 days.