NewsBytes Explainer: E Sreedharan's new high-speed rail plan for Kerala
Veteran technocrat E. Sreedharan just dropped a new plan for Kerala's high-speed rail—think Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur in just 3 hours 20 minutes.
This upgraded KHSR project is meant to be a smarter, more affordable fix after the old K-Rail idea stalled.
The line will have 20 stations spaced every 20-30km
The line will have 20 stations spaced every 20-30km, mostly elevated with a short underground stretch.
Trains will zip along on a corridor designed for 200km/h with some reports giving a maximum operating speed of 180km/h and start off carrying about 45,000 people daily—with room to scale up big time if needed.
₹56,500 crore completion cost
70% of the ₹56,500 crore completion cost would be shared by the Centre and state governments in a 51:49 ratio, with the remaining 30% to be raised through debt or bonds.
If all goes well, trains could be running in five years before Delhi Metro takes over operations.
There are also plans to extend the route even further across Kerala.
For commuters and travelers alike
This isn't just about speed—it could totally change how people move around Kerala by connecting airports and pilgrimage spots faster than ever.
For commuters and travelers alike, it promises quicker journeys and a real boost for the local economy.