Kerala's Rail Future on Track: New Lines to Boost Capacity

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw informed Parliament on 30 July 2025 that detailed project reports (DPRs) are being prepared for third and fourth railway lines across critical routes in Kerala to address capacity constraints and support the introduction of new train services.

The DPRs cover major corridors including the Mangaluru–Coimbatore route via Shoranur–Palakkad, and a proposed third line along the Shoranur–Ernakulam–Kayamkulam–Thiruvananthapuram–Nagercoil stretch.

"The introduction of new trains requires expanded track capacity, and the government is working to enhance Kerala's railway infrastructure accordingly," Vaishnaw stated.

Specific alignments under study include:

Shoranur–Mangaluru (third and fourth lines), Shoranur–Coimbatore (99 km)

Third lines on segments from Shoranur to Nagercoil via Ernakulam, Kayamkulam, and Thiruvananthapuram

Once implemented, these upgrades are expected to decongest Kerala’s saturated railway network and facilitate smoother operations. The initiative is part of the Centre’s broader strategy to modernize railway infrastructure across southern India.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.