Kerala sets 2024 deadline for Semi High-Speed Rail project

December 20, 2019

The Thiruvananthapuram–Kasargode Semi High Speed Rail Corridor (SHSR), a proposed high-speed rail corridor in India that would connect Thiruvananthapuram with Kasaragod in Kerala is expected to be completed by 2024. Recently, centre had also given in-principle approval to the Rs.56,000 crore Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod SHSR corridor project. The order was issued by Union Ministry of Railways.

About Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Semi-High Speed Rail (SHSR) corridor project

This 532km double-line project is a joint venture of Government of Kerala and Union Ministry of Railways. SHSR named as Silver Line, is envisaged to cut travel time between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod from 12 hours to 4 hours and is expected to fast-track the economy of Kerala. SHSR covering a length of 532km beginning from capital city of Kerala, Thiruvananthapuram and ending at Kasaragod will have stops in 10 districts in state, barring Wayanad, Pathanamthitta, Idukki and Palakkad.

Kerala Rail Development Corporation (KRDCL) is the implementing agency for the project. It has submitted proposal to Railways Ministry for building 3rd and 4th lines between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod. The state cabinet had approved SHSR project after a year-long feasibility study, conducted by KRDCL.

SHSR is being seen as a game-changer in Kerala’s infrastructure and economic development and will be implemented with minimum land acquisition. Trains on track, which passes through 11 of the 14 districts, will run at 200 km per hour.