Thiruvananthapuram: Besides the Ernakulam – Shorannur third track, the railways are examining the possibilities of a Thrissur – Thirunavaya double track now. For this, the present Thrissur – Guruvayur single track could either be doubled or a new Guruvayur – Thirunavaya double track corridor, which would help in reducing the distance to the Malabar region, could be built. Meanwhile, the final location survey of the Guruvayur – Thiruvanavaya track is progressing. The authorities plan to include the second track of the Thrissur – Guruvayur route in this project.
In the survey conducted for the third track of the Ernakulam – Shorannur route, which was announced in 2018, the authorities also need to determine the area of land that may be required for building a fourth track in the future. So, the bridges too would be designed to suit the double track. Currently, more than one survey is being held in the state for the various railway projects that envisage three or four tracks in multiple routes. The detailed project report will be handed over to the railway board as and when they are prepared. After submitting the report, it would take at least a year to secure the sanctions.
Various railway surveys going on in the state
1) The final location survey of the Ernakulam – Shorannur third track is in its final stage. Soil examinations are conducted in Thrissur district. The track would be altered at many spots to achieve a 160-kilometre speed limit.
2) Third and fourth tracks in Coimbatore – Shorannur route: An alignment is being considered, avoiding the forest area, parallel to the Palakkad – Shorannur route.
3) Shorannur – Mangaluru third and fourth track: The track which will be built parallel to the existing one would pass through the railway land acquired for the Silver Line project. Feasibility studies have been conducted here.
4) Thiruvananthapuram – Kayamkulam – Ernakulam (via Kottayam) third track: A survey will be conducted for the track which could allow acceleration up to 160 kilometres. The land that needs to be acquired for the fourth track and the bridges too are part of the survey.
5) Trains can achieve 130 – 160 kilometres speed on the current track from Thiruvananthapuram to Mangaluru. The lidar survey is completed on this route. Even though it is possible to achieve 130 kilometres speed in the Shorannur – Mangaluru route, gaining speed south from Shorannur may not be possible.
