Kochi: The Centre’s decision to encourage Public-Private Partnership (PPP) in railway infrastructure development may benefit Kerala which bets hard on projects like Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod semi high speed corridor and Sabari rail.
“In the budget, Union finance minister Nirmala Sitharaman stressed that railways will invest more in suburban railways. It gives hope for the third and fourth rail line proposal. The project require huge investment and PPP mode can come in handy in its execution,” said P. Krishnakumar, a member of Zonal Railway Users Consultative Committee.
A SPV, Kerala Railway Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL), was set up for execution of key projects. The alignment of semi high speed corridor is being prepared and expected to be submitted for railway board approval in few months.
The upgradation of key stations like Ernakulam Junction to world class standard is also likely to be taken up this year.
“The 116-km long Sabari rail line, the Nilambur-Nanjangud railway line projects too could be implemented without waiting for the state’s share. The minister made it clear that the PPP mode of investment plan is also applicable for completion of tracks and rolling stock manufacture,” said Paul K.J. Manvettom, president of All Kerala Rail Users Association.
Earlier the division has allotment of nearly Rs 200 crore for track doubling works in the Thiruvananthapuram- Kanyakumari section and Nemom coaching terminal among others.
