Ernakulam: Union Minister Suresh Gopi stated that Vande Bharat trains are a revolution for Kerala. He emphasized that for more Vande Bharat trains to arrive in the state, railway line doubling must be completed quickly, and this critically requires the full support and land from the state government. He made these remarks to the media at Ernakulam South Railway Station before Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off a Vande Bharat train from Varanasi via video conferencing.
The Minister further added that rapid railway transport progress, akin to other parts of the country, would only be possible in Kerala if the state government cooperates with railway infrastructure development. He clarified that existing single tracks and curves pose a challenge for semi-high-speed trains like Vande Bharat. Therefore, doubling the tracks and improving the signaling system are crucial for increasing travel speed and enabling more services.
‘With the advent of the revolutionary Vande Bharat rail operation, passengers have complained about delays in many other trains, an increase in the number of stops, and reduced speed. To balance these issues, more facilities are needed. This year alone, 3042 crore rupees have been allocated specifically for Kerala. The railways are prepared to provide ten thousand crores or more. Only land is required,’ Suresh Gopi stated.
He also pointed out that India is entering an era of bullet trains, and for bullet trains to come to Kerala, ‘zero-curve’ land is essential. The speed of Vande Bharat and express trains can be further increased, but this requires straightening the existing curves. Suresh Gopi added that land must be identified for ‘zero-curve,’ or at least ‘no-curve’ or ‘deep-curve’ railway lines. Attention should also be paid to the selection of railway stations. He articulated his vision for Kerala’s largest rail hub at Ponnurunni, spanning 110-117 acres, to improve Kochi’s living conditions and ecosystem. Suresh Gopi expressed his dream of a railway station equivalent to Chennai’s MGR Central Station.