₹220-crore Mararikulam–Alappuzha doubling project approved

Account subscription benefits alongside Premium Stories, Editorials, Opinions and more. Unlock these with Subscription

The View From India Looking at World Affairs from the Indian perspective.

First Day First Show News and reviews from the world of cinema and streaming.

Today's Cache Your download of the top 5 technology stories of the day.

Data Point Decoding the headlines with facts, figures, and numbers

Health Matters Ramya Kannan writes to you on getting to good health, and staying there

The Hindu On Books Books of the week, reviews, excerpts, new titles and features.

In a significant step towards augmenting the capacity of the rail network through the Ernakulam-Kayamkulam stretch via Alappuzha, the Southern Railways has approved the doubling of the 10.65-km Mararikulam-Alappuzha section at a sanctioned cost of ₹220.51 crore.

The project has been sanctioned under the umbrella programme for doubling, tripling, quadrupling, flyover and bypass works aimed at enhancing the capacity of the railway network. The Mararikulam - Alappuzha section is presently the only remaining single-line stretch on the Ernakulam - Turavur - Alappuzha - Ambalapuzha - Kayamkulam corridor, where other doubling works have already been commissioned.

Upon completion, the project is expected to facilitate the operation of nine additional passenger trains in each direction per day and support a freight traffic of 2.88 million tonnes per annum (MTPA). The doubling work is also projected to generate additional net earnings of approximately Rs 3.08 crore annually through enhanced passenger and freight movement, according to the railways.

The project will significantly improve operational efficiency by reducing detention of both passenger and freight trains, leading to faster and smoother train operations on this important route. It will also enhance line capacity, improve punctuality and strengthen connectivity across the region. The project has demonstrated strong economic viability, with a Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR) of 3.99% and an Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 22.30%.