Railway Ministry directs Kerala to explore Broad-Gauge Semi High-Speed Rail Model in state

New Delhi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for Kerala’s rail infrastructure ambitions, the Railway Board has directed K-Rail to examine the feasibility of developing a Broad-Gauge (BG) semi high-speed rail corridor in the state. The move comes at a time when multiple high-profile mobility proposals in Kerala, including the much-debated SilverLine project and the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), remain stalled due to pending approvals and policy uncertainties.

The directive specifically asks K-Rail to study a model similar to the one being planned in Gujarat, which is based on Broad-Gauge tracks and designed to support higher speeds while retaining compatibility with existing railway systems. Confirming the development, K-Rail Managing Director V Ajith Kumar stated that the feasibility study in Kerala will be aligned with this proposed model.

Gujarat Model Emerges as Reference Point

Railway officials indicate that the Board’s recommendation refers to the upcoming Sarkhej–Dholera rail link in Gujarat. This project is envisioned as the world’s first semi high-speed rail corridor on Broad-Gauge infrastructure, with a design speed of 220 kmph and an average operational speed of around 160 kmph. Spanning approximately 109 kilometres as a double-line corridor, the project is also designed to accommodate conventional train operations, offering greater flexibility and interoperability.

The adoption of a Broad-Gauge semi high-speed model could provide Kerala with a more viable alternative compared to fully segregated high-speed systems, potentially reducing costs and easing integration with the existing railway network.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “Exploring a Broad-Gauge semi high-speed rail model is a pragmatic approach for states like Kerala, where land constraints and cost considerations are significant. Leveraging existing railway standards while upgrading speed and efficiency can deliver faster implementation and better integration with the current network.”

Projects in Limbo Add to Strategic Complexity

The Railway Board’s directive comes amid continued uncertainty surrounding several major rail initiatives in Kerala. The SilverLine semi high-speed project, once positioned as a flagship mobility solution, remains on hold as the Central Government has raised concerns over its existing Detailed Project Report (DPR). Meanwhile, the Kerala government has stated that specific modifications required by the Centre have not been clearly communicated.

At the same time, the proposed RRTS corridor in the state is awaiting approval from the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs. The Kerala Chief Minister has already written to the Centre seeking clearance, while the state government has initiated preliminary steps by assigning the Transport Department to take the proposal forward.

Additionally, a separate semi high-speed rail proposal put forward by veteran railway engineer E Sreedharan continues to await clarity on its status, despite earlier positive remarks from the Railway Minister.

A Potential Turning Point for Kerala’s Rail Strategy

The exploration of a Broad-Gauge semi high-speed corridor could mark a strategic shift in Kerala’s approach to modern rail infrastructure, balancing ambition with feasibility. By adopting a model that aligns with Indian Railways’ existing ecosystem, the state may be able to overcome some of the financial, technical and regulatory hurdles that have slowed previous proposals.

As K-Rail moves forward with the feasibility study, the outcome is expected to play a critical role in shaping the future of high-speed and semi high-speed rail development in Kerala, potentially unlocking a more practical pathway for modernising the state’s transport network.