Tue Feb 24 14:14:59 UTC 2026: ### Metro Man Revives Kerala High-Speed Rail Project, Eyes Central Government Backing

The Story: Veteran technocrat E. Sreedharan, the “Metro Man,” has announced the revival of his high-speed rail project for Kerala, estimating the cost at Rs 54,000 crore. Speaking in Ponnani, he outlined a plan to submit a detailed project report (DPR) to both the Union and state governments within two months. The proposed Kerala High Speed Railway (KHSR) aims to connect Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur in just over three hours, utilizing a double-track, standard-gauge line independent of the existing broad-gauge network.

Sreedharan’s announcement comes shortly after the Kerala government abandoned its K-Rail project due to a lack of central government support and gave in-principle approval for a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). He is seeking central backing for his KHSR proposal, structured as a joint venture between the Union (51%) and state (49%) governments, potentially following the Konkan Railway funding model.

Key Points:

  • E. Sreedharan proposes a Rs 54,000 crore Kerala High Speed Railway (KHSR) project.
  • The project aims to connect Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur in 3 hours and 20 minutes.
  • The KHSR will be a double-track, standard-gauge line.
  • The project will be structured as a joint venture: Union Government (51%) and State Government (49%).
  • The design speed will be 200 km/hour, with an average commercial speed of 140 km/hour.
  • Sreedharan claims a previous Rs 1 lakh crore project was under consideration by the central government.
  • The Kerala government recently abandoned its K-Rail project due to lack of central backing.

Critical Analysis:

The revival of the KHSR proposal by Sreedharan, coupled with the state government’s abandonment of K-Rail, suggests a strategic shift towards securing central government support for high-speed rail development in Kerala. Sreedharan’s reputation and experience may be leveraged to gain favor with the BJP-led central government, especially given the state government’s previous struggles to get their project approved. The timing of this announcement, shortly after the K-Rail setback, indicates an attempt to capitalize on the perceived need for improved transport infrastructure in the region while addressing concerns that led to the central government’s rejection of the K-Rail proposal.

Key Takeaways:

  • E. Sreedharan is positioning himself as a key player in Kerala’s high-speed rail development.
  • Central government support is crucial for the success of large-scale infrastructure projects in Kerala.
  • The KHSR proposal is designed to be more appealing to the central government than the previous K-Rail project.
  • The Konkan Railway model is being considered as a potential funding mechanism.
  • The recent approval of the metro extension in GIFT City indicates the central government’s willingness to invest in infrastructure projects aligned with its priorities.

Impact Analysis:

The success of the KHSR project could have a significant long-term impact on Kerala’s economy and connectivity. A high-speed rail line would reduce travel times, potentially boosting tourism and business activity. The project’s structure as a joint venture could set a precedent for future infrastructure development in the state. However, the project’s financial viability and environmental impact will be crucial factors in determining its long-term success. The ongoing competition between different rail proposals highlights the complex political and economic considerations involved in infrastructure development in Kerala. The success of this project will depend on Sreedharan’s ability to secure the necessary funding and navigate the political

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