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2 min readUpdated: Feb 13, 2026 04:27 PM IST
The minister further said that the Kerala government is currently working on a semi-high-speed rail corridor named the Silver Line. (Image: Ministry of Railways)
High-speed rail projects in Kerala: Ministry of Railways approved the survey to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for seven rail corridors in Kerala with the potential to support speeds of up to 160 kmph. The initiative is aimed at strengthening and modernising the state’s railway network.
In a written reply in the Rajya Sabha on February 13, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said that once the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is finalised, sanctioning of the project requires consultations with various stakeholders, including state governments, along with mandatory approvals such as appraisal by NITI Aayog and the Ministry of Finance. “As sanctioning of projects is a continuous and dynamic process, exact timelines cannot be fixed,” Vaishnaw said.
The Union Minister was replying to questions raised by Rajya Sabha MP PP Suneer, who sought to know whether the government has approved a project for the construction of a superfast railway line in Kerala, along with details of the project and the expected timeline for the start of construction.
Surveys sanctioned for preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) to augment & improve railway network in Kerala for higher speed potential of 160 kmph
| 1 | Shoranur-Mangalore 3rd & 4th Line | 307 |
| 2 | Coimbatore-Shoranur 3rd & 4th line | 99 |
| 3 | Shoranur – Ernakulam 3rd Line | 106 |
| 4 | Ernakulam-Kayankulam 3rd line (via Kottayam) | 115 |
| 5 | Kayankulam-Thiruvanathapuram 3rd Line | 105 |
| 6 | Thiruvanathapuram-Nagercoil 3rd Line | 71 |
| 7 | Turavur-Ambalappuzha Doubling | 46 |
Source: Rajya Sabha
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Silver Line project in Kerala
The minister further said that the Kerala government is currently working on a semi-high-speed rail corridor named the Silver Line. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Silver Line project, that stretches from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, was prepared by Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL).
The KRDCL is a Joint Venture Company of State Government of Kerala and Ministry of Railways.
“KRDCL has been advised to revise the DPR in line with latest technical standards, such as adoption of broad gauge for integration with the Indian Railways network, flatter ruling gradient, proper drainage scheme for yards and sections, provision of Kavach, 2×25 kV electrification and taking environmental safeguards during construction & operation and integration with existing rail network etc. However, Govt. of Kerala is insisting to consider Silver Line Project as stand alone project,” the Minister said.
Anish Mondal is a journalist with over nine years of experience covering the railways and roadways. Currently a member of the Indianexpress.com editorial team, Anish specializes in high-impact sectors. Professional Journey Anish began his career at the public broadcaster Rajya Sabha Television (now Sansad TV), where he developed a foundational understanding of legislative processes and national governance. In 2018, he transitioned to digital financial journalism at FinancialExpress.com, spending nearly six years refining his expertise in market trends and corporate reporting. Before joining The Indian Express in 2025, he served as a key contributor at ETNowNews.com. Education & Expertise Anish’s reporting is backed by a rigorous academic background in communication and the humanities: Master of Journalism and Mass Communication (MJMC) – Apeejay Stya University Post Graduate Diploma in Journalism and Production (PGTVRJP) – Apeejay Institute of Mass Communication Bachelor of Arts (English Honours) – University of Calcutta Areas of Coverage Connectivity: Detailed reporting on the expansion of Indian Railways and National Highway networks. ... Read More
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