Image credit: Google Maps
Alappuzha: The framework for Kerala’s Silverline, the semi-high-speed rail corridor project connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, has been prepared.
The project proposes to construct railway line between Thiruvananthapuram and Tirur as a Green Field Corridor and between Tirur and Kasaragod parallel to the existing railway alignment.
The Silverline project will spur the economic and social development of state.
The final route of the railway corridor has been finalized. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) has been approved by K-Rail Board. The project is estimated to be completed in 5 years starting this year.
Some changes have been made in the alignment to avoid cultural institutions and worship places. The Green corridor will enable running of trains at an operational speed of 200kmph.
The Silverline project worth Rs 63,941 crore passing through 11 districts in the state and covering 530.6 km will have 11 stations. It will cover Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam in 1.5 hours and Kasaragod in 4 hours.
Apart from the Kakkanad station in the feasibility study, a new station has been added at Nedumbassery.
A Google map of the project route has been published.
The stations are: Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Nedumabssery Airport, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod.
The main benefits of the Silverline are:
- Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod in 4 hours
- Large and medium cities will be connected through the corridor
- Airports, hospitals, cultural centres and industrial centres would become easily accessible
- Once Silverline is functional, it is expected that Rs 530 crore worth diesel and petrol would be saved every year as road traffic decreases (7500 vehicles would be removed from roads)
- Freight movement would be eased. With RO-RO Roll ON – Roll OFF) service, per day around 500 goods vehicles can be removed from roads. Accidents are expected to decrease
- Air pollution is expected to decrease. Silverline uses electric power and solar energy for operations
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