KOZHIKODE:
Noting that the proposed Semi High-Speed Rail (SHSR) corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod will change the texture of the state, KRDCL Managing Director V. Ajith Kumar today said the project will be more beneficial for the Malabar region. He also informed that the construction work of the project would kick off by next year once it gets the Indian Railway’s approval and it will be completed by 2025.
“Land requirement is minimal for the project and it will be about half of that of four-lane highways,” he asserted, while speaking about Kerala’s dream project at a session organised by Malabar Chamber of Commerce here.
Kumar said land acquisition would not be a difficult task between Tirur and Kasaragod since the SHSR rail line would run parallel to the existing railway line. “KRDCL will have to acquire about 1,200 hectares of land for the project that will have the rails elevated along urban stretches. The trains will run at a maximum speed of 200 km per hour.Land acquisition is required in 21-25metre width. There is also provision for providing compensation to those who give land for the project,” he added.
“The 532-km double line between the capital city and Kasaragod will be completed using modern technology. Maximum curves will be avoided and we expect a speed of 200 km/h,” he said.
“With the implementation of the 100 percent green project, it will reduce the journey time from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod from 12 hours to just four hours. If we can go ahead with the current time-frame, the project will become a reality by 2025,” Kumar said.
The mega infrastructure project, known as ‘Silver Line’, is being implemented by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL), a joint venture of Government of Kerala and Ministry of Railways.
“A detailed project report (DPR) of the double line has been submitted to the state government,” he said, adding that all the stations would function using renewable energy sources, including solar energy. The train that starts from Kochuveli will have stops at Kollam, Chengannoor, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode, Kannur and Kasaragod. The construction will commence after getting approvals from the Central and state governments,” the KRDCL MD said.
K Sreenivasa Rao, Director, International Airport, Kozhikode gave a felicitation speech. A Syam Sundar, President, Malabar Chamber of Commerce, presided. NM Salim, Architect, Programme Coordinator, welcomed the gathering. T Gopakumar, Joint Secretary, proposed a vote of thanks.
The SHSR line is expected to reduce both congestion and pollution on the roads, improve safety and reduce dependence on imported oil. The airports at Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi will be connected in the SHSR.
KRDCL expects a ridership of 67,740 passengers a day. It estimates to carry 1,330 travellers in one direction at peak hours. The average number of travellers a day will be 82,266 by 2028, 116,681 by 2040 and 147,120 in 2051. As for employment, the project will generate 50,000 jobs during the construction of the corridor and 11,000 once it is functional after completion.
Thiruvananthapuram-headquartered KRDCL, floated in January 2017, is a joint venture between the Kerala government and the Railways to execute viable railway projects on a cost-sharing basis. The rail corridor will also help stem pollution by buses and other private vehicles on the road. By 2028, SHSR will reduce road vehicles and trucks causing reduction of approximately 2,37,663 tons of carbon dioxide equivalent and 3,81,899 tons by 2051.
