Union Minister and BJP MP from Thrissur, Suresh Gopi, on Saturday spoke about Kerala’s chances of getting a bullet train. He was addressing the media ahead of the inaugural run of the Ernakulam–Bengaluru Vande Bharat Express.

According to Gopi, Kerala must first focus on doubling of the track and addressing sharp geographical curves in its railway network before seeking approval from the Union government for higher-speed trains or future projects such as bullet trains.

“India is currently in a time when bullet trains are arriving. If Kerala is to have a bullet train, there should be zero curves. A special terrain is also required. This specialised land must be capable of accommodating the speed of the bullet train,” he said.

The Union Minister also noted that soil strength in certain areas of Kerala could pose difficulties.

“If strength of soil is examined, there are chances that we may lose such projects. So such challenges need to be overcome,” Gopi added.

PM flags off four new Vande Bharat Express trains

Meanwhile, Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off four new Vande Bharat Express trains from Banaras railway station. The new services will operate on the Banaras–Khajuraho, Lucknow–Saharanpur, Firozpur–Delhi, and Ernakulam–Bengaluru routes.

According to an official statement, these semi-high-speed trains are expected to significantly reduce travel time between major stations, enhance regional mobility, promote tourism, and boost economic activity across the country.