In a major boost to Kerala’s transportation infrastructure, Indian Railways has begun preparing a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a massive 750-km expansion of the state’s rail network. The plan, considered one of the biggest railway upgrades Kerala has seen in decades, aims to ease congestion, increase train frequency, and significantly cut travel times across the state.
The proposed expansion includes crucial third and fourth lines along Kerala’s busiest corridors — from Kasaragod to Kozhikode and onward to Shoranur, stretching further to Ernakulam, Coimbatore, Kayamkulam, Thiruvananthapuram, and up to Nagercoil. These high-density routes currently operate beyond capacity, and the upcoming lines are expected to transform both passenger and freight movement.
Indian Railways has allocated ₹3,042 crore for Kerala’s railway development in the 2025–26 budget, reflecting a sharp rise in central support. The Railways has also deposited nearly ₹1,975 crore for land acquisition — though timely cooperation from the state government remains crucial for smooth project execution.
Apart from capacity enhancement, the plan includes an additional 232 km of proposed routes aimed at improving regional connectivity and supporting Kerala’s long-term economic growth. Officials say the expansion will not only modernize the current network but also unlock faster intercity travel and better last-mile connectivity for millions of commuters.
If completed as planned, the 750-km network upgrade could mark a new era in Kerala’s railway infrastructure, drastically improving mobility for the state’s growing population.
