The 70% Milestone: Thiruvananthapuram–Parassala Rail Progress

The doubling of the railway track between Thiruvananthapuram Central and Parassala—part of the larger Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari rail line project—is progressing steadily, with nearly 70 percent of the work completed.

The government has approved the 86.5-km rail doubling project along the Thiruvananthapuram–Kanyakumari corridor to enhance line capacity. At present, the single-track section leads to frequent train crossings and speed restrictions, causing operational bottlenecks. Once completed, the project will ease congestion, enable the operation of additional passenger and freight services, and significantly improve punctuality, officials said.

The project initially faced delays due to land acquisition disputes involving landowners, residents, and contractors, which slowed construction for several months. However, these legal and compensation-related issues have since been resolved, allowing work to resume at full pace.

Construction between Parassala and Nagercoil is progressing faster and is expected to be completed ahead of the Thiruvananthapuram–Parassala section. The entire project is slated for completion by August 2026 and is expected to reduce speed constraints, strengthen connectivity, and address long-standing operational challenges on Southern Railway’s southernmost trunk route.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.