Minister sanctions DPR survey for 7 high-speed rail projects in Kerala

The Ministry of Railways has cleared a survey to prepare Detailed Project Reports (DPRs) for seven proposed rail corridors in Kerala that are designed to accommodate speeds of up to 160 kmph, as part of plans to upgrade and modernise the state’s rail network.

In a written response in the Rajya Sabha on February 13, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that once the DPR is completed, the project would need consultations with stakeholders, including the state government, and statutory approvals such as appraisal by NITI Aayog and clearance from the Ministry of Finance before receiving final sanction. He noted that since project approvals are an ongoing and evolving process, fixed timelines cannot be specified, Indian Express reported

The minister was replying to a question from Rajya Sabha MP P. P. Suneer, who had asked whether a superfast rail line in Kerala had been approved and sought details about the project and its likely commencement, Indian Express reported.

Vaishnaw also stated that the Kerala government is working on a semi-high-speed corridor known as the Silver Line. The DPR for the proposed Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod route was prepared by Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), a joint venture between the Kerala government and the Ministry of Railways.

He said KRDCL has been advised to update the DPR to align with current technical standards, including adopting broad gauge for integration with the Indian Railways network, ensuring a flatter ruling gradient, providing proper drainage systems, incorporating the Kavach safety system, implementing 2×25 kV electrification, taking environmental safeguards during construction and operations, and ensuring seamless integration with the existing rail network. However, he added that the Kerala government continues to press for the Silver Line to be considered as a standalone project.