Behind the talk of faster trains in Kerala: survey sanctioned for seven routes with 160 kmph potential

Background

Faster rail corridors are being argued over in Kerala, and one formal step has already been taken. Replying in the Rajya Sabha, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said Detailed Project Report surveys have been sanctioned to examine a speed potential of 160 kmph on seven routes connected to Kerala. They are the Shoranur to Mangalore third and fourth line of 307 km, the Coimbatore to Shoranur third and fourth line of 99 km, the Shoranur to Ernakulam third line of 106 km, the Ernakulam to Kayankulam third line via Kottayam of 115 km, the Kayankulam to Thiruvananthapuram third line of 105 km, the Thiruvananthapuram to Nagercoil third line of 71 km and the Turavur to Ambalappuzha doubling of 46 km. The Ministry said any sanction will depend on the reports being finalised, on talks with State Governments and on clearances from bodies such as NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance, so no timeline can be fixed yet.