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- Semi-high-speed trains operating at an average speed of 125 km per hour will be able to cover the approximately 420-km Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur distance in three-and-a-half hours through standard gauge tracks in another six years
- The trains would be able to attain a maximum speed of 200 kmph and would halt at approximately 15 stations located every 30 km en route.
- The alignment would differ from that of the 530-km Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod SilverLine semi-high-speed-rail project mooted by K-Rail which had stations every 60 km.
- The alignment would largely adhere to the one proposed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation in its detailed project report (DPR) submitted to the Kerala government in 2015 for the Thiruvananthapuram-Kannur high-speed rail corridor
- The project can be realised for ₹1 lakh crore in six years. It would be financially viable if the State and Centre pooled ₹30,000 crore each, while the balance ₹40,000 crore could be raised as loan.
Silver Line corridor
The 529.45 km Silver Line corridor connecting Kasaragod and Thiruvananthapuram, with an operating speed of 200kmph, eases the transport between North and South ends of the state and reduces the total travel time to less than 4 hours, compared with the present 10 to 12 hours. The intermediate stations include Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Kochi Airport, Thrissur, Tirur, Kozhikode and Kannur.
Why Silverline?
SilverLine will bring remarkable changes in local commute, by improving the travel time and quality of transportation. Every kilometre travelled by a person on semi high-speed rail is a kilometre not travelled in an automobile. There will be a substantial reduction in road accidents due to decongestion on roads. SilverLine also provides last mile connectivity which will transform people’s perception towards public transportation.
Economic Benefits
- Saves time and money
- Help recovery from COVID-19 outbreak
- Increase Business Opportunities
- Create Employment Opportunities
- Building new Townships and Smart cities
- Areas nearby stations will change into Industrial Hub
- Accelerate development of tourism industry in Kerala.
- Leads to higher Gross State Development Product(GSDP) for Kerala.
Social Benefits
- Reach any District of Kerala in the shortest time during an emergency
- Fast, Safe and Comfortable mode of transportation
- Reduced accidents.
- Accident cost savings is expected to be over 20 Million USD
- Reduced traffic congestion.
- Alignment chosen is the Cheapest, less disturbance to structures & a GREENFIELD CORRIDOR
Environmental Benefits
- Reduction of approximately 2,87,994 tons of CO2 by 2030 and 5,94,636 tons by 2050.
- Achieving Sustainable Development Goal 13-CLIMATE ACTION
- Uses 100% renewable energy.
- Zero use of Fossil fuels in Operations.
- Improvement of air quality.
- Reduction in Greenhouse gas emissions.
- Wetlands are preserved.
- Rejuvenation of abandoned paddy fields.
- All buildings of Silverline will meet the standards of the Indian Green Building Council, with minimum disruption of flora & fauna.
- Energy-Efficient mode compared to other modes of transport.
- Lower noise impact when compared to road transport.
- Scientific waste management system.
SOURCE: THE HINDU, PIB
