Kerala’s Third Rail Line Faces Uncertainty: A Project in Limbo
Thrissur: Kerala’s ambitious third railway line project, touted as a solution to the state’s rail congestion woes, has been stuck in limbo for years. Despite the initial enthusiasm and aerial surveys completed in 2024, the project has made little progress, leaving many wondering about its future.
Aerial Surveys Completed, But What’s Next?
The project, aimed at easing rail congestion and improving train speeds, was launched in 2024 with aerial surveys for a third track along the Ernakulam–Shoranur, Shoranur–Palakkad, and Shoranur–Mangaluru corridors. While the aerial survey has reportedly been completed, there is no clarity on whether the final report has been submitted. The silence on this crucial aspect has raised concerns about the project’s implementation timeline.
Soil Testing and Financial Viability
Earlier, soil testing was carried out at Thozhupadam near Painkulam in Thrissur district as part of the preliminary works. The project’s financial viability was said to be assessed after receiving reports from the private agency conducting the study. However, there has been no official update on the outcome, leaving many in the dark about the project’s feasibility.
Uncertainty Over Track Alignment
There is also no clarity on whether the proposed third track between Ernakulam and Shoranur and Shoranur and Mangaluru will run parallel to the existing railway line. The Railways had earlier noted that constructing a parallel track along the Ernakulam–Shoranur stretch would be challenging due to multiple curves ranging between two and four degrees. This uncertainty has raised concerns about the project’s technical viability.
Centre’s Mixed Signals
The uncertainty surrounding the third railway line project comes after the Centre ruled out several major railway proposals for Kerala, including the SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project, E. Sreedharan’s high-speed rail proposal, and the Kanjikode coach factory. The third railway line had emerged as the state’s primary rail infrastructure project, with expectations that it could eventually pave the way for a fourth track.
Railway Minister’s Statement
Replying in the Rajya Sabha recently, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said surveys and the preparation of detailed project reports (DPRs) for the third and fourth railway lines are currently underway. He also informed Parliament that surveys are in progress for the Ernakulam–Kayamkulam and Kayamkulam–Thiruvananthapuram sections. While the Minister’s statement has provided some clarity on the ongoing surveys, it has not addressed the concerns over the project’s implementation timeline.
Visible Progress: A Double-Track Bridge
At present, the only visible progress linked to the project is the construction of a double-track railway bridge across the Bharathapuzha River, where bridge pillars have already been erected. While this is a positive development, it is a small consolation for the project’s overall progress.
Railway Experts Weigh In
Railway experts believe that the addition of a third track would improve operational efficiency, increase train frequency, and reduce travel time. The existing railway corridor in Kerala supports an average train speed of around 80 kmph, with speeds dropping to nearly 50 kmph at several stretches due to capacity constraints. However, the project has yet to move to critical stages such as land acquisition, raising concerns over its future timeline.
A Project in Limbo
The third railway line project has been stuck in limbo for years, with little progress made despite initial enthusiasm. The uncertainty surrounding the project’s implementation timeline, track alignment, and financial viability has raised concerns about its future. As the project continues to languish, Kerala’s rail congestion woes remain unaddressed, leaving many wondering about the project’s fate.