Kerala - Thiruvananthapuram   

High-speed trains not feasible for Kerala: Velu

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Union Minister of State for Railways R. Velu has said high-speed trains through the railway network in Kerala is not feasible.

Addressing a press conference at the Central Station here after flagging-off Garib Rath, a bi-weekly Super Fast Express to Lokmanya Tilak Terminus, the Minister said the priority was to connect the far-flung areas to the railway network of the country.

Laying a railway line for operating high-speed trains will incur a cost of Rs.50 crore for a km compared to the Rs.3 crore for laying railway track for ordinary trains. “It is expensive. Dedicated lines and double track are needed for operating high-speed trains. Land acquisition is a major problem for the Railways in Kerala.”

He said several States, including Kerala, evinced interest in operating high-speed trains by setting up elevated track. The railways would look into the feasibility of the project.

Printer friendly page  
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Stories in this Section

Call to speed up rehabilitation
NCC team wins praise
‘Ore Kadal,’ ‘Thaniye’ bag award
Railway budget to be people-friendly, says Minister
Assistance sanctioned for farmers
Oral health cell
Veliyam criticises UDF move to hold hartal
No objection to ADB aid: Joseph
LDF to launch stir for High Court Bench
Date extended
High-speed trains not feasible for Kerala: Velu
Garib Rath brings Mumbai closer
‘Proposals on education can affect growth’
Jawan goes missing
Free dialysis
Flowers rule this show
Inspection of kerosene permits
Devaswom staff union plea
Thiruvananthapuram Today

Copyright © 2008, The Hindu. Republication or redissemination of the contents of this screen are expressly prohibited without the written consent of The Hindu