New Delhi: In a major infrastructure push aimed at enhancing rail capacity and operational efficiency in Kerala, Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 10.65-km Mararikulam-Alappuzha section of Southern Railway at an estimated cost of Rs 220.51 crore.
Follow The PSUWatch Channel on WhatsApp
The project forms part of Indian Railways' broader capacity augmentation programme covering doubling, tripling, quadrupling, flyover and bypass works across the national rail network.
The Mararikulam-Alappuzha stretch is currently the only remaining single-line section on the Ernakulam-Turavur-Alappuzha-Ambalapuzha-Kayankulam corridor. Other doubling works on the route have either been completed or are under implementation, making this project a crucial link in strengthening connectivity along the corridor.
According to an official statement issued on Monday, the project is expected to facilitate the operation of nine additional passenger trains in each direction every day upon completion. It will also support freight traffic of 2.88 million tonnes per annum (MTPA), significantly enhancing the line's carrying capacity.
The railway ministry said the doubling work is projected to generate additional net earnings of around Rs 3.08 crore annually through increased passenger and freight movement.
The project is expected to improve operational efficiency by reducing detention of both passenger and freight trains, enabling faster and smoother train operations on the route. It will also enhance line capacity, improve punctuality and strengthen regional connectivity.
Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN
The proposal has been identified under Indian Railways' Mission 3000 MT initiative and the High Density Traffic Network Corridor programme, which focus on expanding freight and passenger carrying capacity on critical rail routes.
The project has also demonstrated strong economic viability, recording a Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR) of 3.99 percent and an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 22.30 percent.
(PSU Watch is India's Business News centre that places the spotlight on PSUs, Bureaucracy, Defence and Public Policy. 👉 Click to join our channel now: PSUWatch WhatsApp Channel. Prefer LinkedIn? Follow PSU Watch on LinkedIN. Click to stay connected on Twitter here and stay updated.)