Daily Current Affairs : 19-July-2023

In an effort to revolutionize transportation in Kerala, a new and ambitious semi-high-speed railway project has been proposed. This project, expected to operate at an average speed of 125 kmph, seeks to address the increasing challenges posed by the rising number of vehicles and accidents in the state. In this essay, we will explore the key features of the proposed railway project and its potential impact on Kerala’s transportation landscape.

The Proposed Semi-High-Speed Railway:
  1. Cost and Scope:
    • The estimated cost of the semi-high-speed train project is around ₹1 lakh crore.
    • It will be built on a standard gauge track, allowing compatibility with future high-speed or semi-high-speed rail initiatives.
    • The proposed corridor aims to offer an average speed of 200 kmph, providing a faster and more efficient mode of travel.
  2. Comparison with the SilverLine Project:
    • The new proposal serves as an alternative to the previously planned ₹64,000 crore Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod SilverLine project.
    • The SilverLine project was intended to cover a distance of 530 km at an average speed of approximately 135 kmph.
    • However, it faced significant opposition due to its construction over tall embankments, leading to displacement of communities.
Challenges Faced by Kerala’s Transportation:

The increasing number of vehicles in Kerala has posed significant challenges to the state’s transportation infrastructure:

  1. Vehicle Congestion:
    • Kerala is home to approximately 1.5 crore vehicles, resulting in overcrowded roads and highways.
    • This high density of vehicles has led to increased traffic congestion, hindering the smooth flow of movement.
  2. Rising Accidents:
    • With one vehicle for every two persons, Kerala witnesses over 4,000 fatalities in road accidents annually.
    • The existing transportation system struggles to cope with the growing number of accidents, necessitating a safer alternative.
The Way Forward:

To address the transportation challenges and achieve higher train speeds, the following steps have been proposed:

  1. Track Strengthening:
    • The Railways plans to strengthen existing tracks to accommodate trains moving at speeds of up to 110 kmph.
    • Efforts will be made to improve the infrastructure and eliminate bottlenecks, allowing for smoother train operations.
  2. Speed Augmentation:
    • As a part of the long-term vision, the Railways aims to augment the train speed further to 130 kmph.
    • Eventually, the target is to achieve an impressive speed of 160 kmph, enhancing the overall efficiency of the railway network.

Important Points:

  • Kerala’s new semi-high-speed railway project is proposed to operate at an average speed of 125 kmph.
  • The project’s estimated cost is around ₹1 lakh crore, and it will be built on a standard gauge track.
  • The proposed corridor aims to offer a design speed of 200 kmph and can be integrated with future high-speed or semi-high-speed rail projects on standard gauge.
  • The project serves as an alternative to the ₹64,000 crore Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod SilverLine project, which faced opposition due to displacement of communities.
  • Kerala faces challenges due to the rising number of vehicles, with 1.5 crore vehicles in the state, leading to traffic congestion and over 4,000 fatalities in accidents annually.
  • The Railways plans to strengthen existing tracks to accommodate trains moving at speeds of up to 110 kmph, with efforts to increase the speed to 130 kmph and later 160 kmph.
  • The proposed semi-high-speed railway project offers a safer and more efficient mode of travel, addressing the transportation woes of Kerala.
  • Successful implementation will require careful planning, community engagement, and collaboration between stakeholders to ensure the project’s success and benefits to all citizens.
Why In News

In Kerala, plans for a cutting-edge semi-high speed railway are in motion, promising an impressive average cruising speed of 125 kmph. This ambitious proposal aims to revolutionize transportation in the region, offering commuters a faster and more efficient mode of travel while bolstering connectivity between key cities and towns.

MCQs about Semi-High-Speed Railway

  1. What is the proposed average speed of the semi-high-speed railway project in Kerala?
    A. 100 kmph
    B. 125 kmph
    C. 150 kmph
    D. 175 kmph
    Correct Answer: B. 125 kmph
    Explanation: The proposed semi-high-speed railway project in Kerala is expected to operate at an average speed of 125 kmph.
  2. What was the main reason behind the opposition to the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod SilverLine project?
    A. High construction cost
    B. Inadequate speed of trains
    C. Massive displacement of people
    D. Unsuitable gauge track
    Correct Answer: C. Massive displacement of people
    Explanation: The Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod SilverLine project faced massive resistance mainly because it was to be built over a tall embankment, leading to the displacement of communities.
  3. What was the organization entrusted with the task of preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a high-speed rail corridor in Kerala in 2014?
    A. Indian Railways
    B. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
    C. Kerala Rail Development Corporation (KRDC)
    D. Indian Institute of Technology (IIT)
    Correct Answer: B. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC)
    Explanation: In 2014, the State government entrusted the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with the task of readying a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a high-speed rail corridor.

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