New Delhi: Indian Railways has approved a comprehensive set of rail infrastructure projects aimed at eliminating congestion, enhancing line capacity, improving safety systems, and enabling faster, more reliable passenger and freight movement across the country.
These approvals span Southern, Northern and South Eastern Railways, covering line doubling, third and fourth lines, bypass corridors, and advanced electronic interlocking systems. The two projects in Kerala are:
Alappuzha–Ambalapuzha Doubling (12.66 km): ₹324.16 crore
This strategically important project removes a critical single-line constraint on the Ernakulam–Turavur–Kayankulam route. Once completed, it will enable nine additional passenger trains per day in each direction, add 2.88 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight capacity, and generate additional annual earnings of ₹3.23 crore. The project will significantly improve operational efficiency by reducing detention for both passenger and freight trains.
By addressing the last remaining single-line stretch on this corridor, it ensures smoother and uninterrupted train movement, enhancing travel reliability for long-distance passengers and strengthening inter-State freight flows within Kerala, while decongesting major junctions for faster, seamless travel.
Palakkad Town–Parli Bypass Line (1.80 km): ₹163.57 crore
The Palakkad bypass project provides immediate operational and passenger benefits by eliminating engine reversal at Palakkad Junction in Kerala for multiple train services. It reduces the average detention of passenger trains by 40-44 minutes and cuts freight detention by up to 120 minutes per train, while also supporting additional passenger services planned from Palakkad Junction.
By streamlining train movements, the bypass will significantly improve punctuality on routes connecting Shoranur, Thiruvananthapuram, and Pollachi, while easing congestion at one of Southern Railway’s busiest junctions.