Dr Sreedharan Proposes New Blueprint for Kerala's High-Speed Rail

Dr E Sreedharan unveiled plans for a Detailed Project Report on a high-speed rail in Kerala, emphasizing differences from the Silver Line project. A meeting with the Railway Minister led to this initiative, focused on elevated or underground routes to minimize land use. Public outreach will commence post-approval.

Dr E Sreedharan, former Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, announced on Monday that efforts have commenced to develop a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a high-speed rail system in Kerala. This follows discussions earlier this month with the Union Railway Minister in New Delhi, though the proposal has yet to receive final project approval.

In an interview with ANI, Dr Sreedharan shared that the concept of a high-speed rail corridor was tabled during his January 16 meeting with the Railway Minister. While enthusiastic, the minister expressed reservations about the existing Silver Line project proposed by the Kerala state government. Instead, a fresh high-speed rail line, which Dr Sreedharan has preliminarily designed, may be greenlighted depending on the DPR findings.

Dr Sreedharan highlighted that the groundwork for the rail proposal could commence within a month following the Railway Ministry's approval. Emphasizing the differences from the Silver Line, the new project focuses on elevated or underground rail pathways, significantly reducing land acquisition needs. Public outreach and planning efforts aim to ensure widespread support, contrasting the lukewarm reception the Silver Line project experienced.