₹220 Crore Mararikulam–Alappuzha Rail Doubling Project Approved By Indian Railways|sarkaritel.com

In a major boost to railway infrastructure in Kerala, Indian Railways has approved the doubling of the 10.65-km Mararikulam–Alappuzha railway section at a sanctioned cost of ₹220.51 crore. The project aims to eliminate a crucial single-line bottleneck on the busy Southern Railway network and improve passenger and freight movement across the region.

🚆 Indian Railways approves ₹220.51 crore for Mararikulam–Alappuzha doubling project.
🚆 10.65-km railway section is the last remaining single-line stretch on the corridor.
🚆 Project will allow 9 additional passenger trains in each direction daily.
🚆 Freight handling capacity to increase by 2.88 million tonnes annually.
🚆 Expected additional annual earnings of ₹3.08 crore.
🚆 Project identified under Mission 3000 MT and High Density Traffic Network Corridor.

New Delhi, June 09: The approved project falls under the umbrella programme for doubling, tripling, quadrupling, flyover, and bypass works aimed at enhancing railway capacity across the country. The Mararikulam–Alappuzha section currently remains the only single-line segment on the Ernakulam–Turavur–Alappuzha–Ambalapuzha–Kayankulam corridor, while other sections have already been doubled or are under implementation.

Once completed, the doubling project is expected to significantly increase the operational capacity of the route. Indian Railways estimates that the new line will facilitate the operation of nine additional passenger trains in each direction every day, improving connectivity and reducing congestion on one of Kerala’s important railway corridors.

The project will also provide a major boost to freight transportation. Railway authorities estimate that the enhanced infrastructure will support 2.88 million tonnes per annum (MTPA) of freight traffic, helping improve logistics efficiency and supporting economic activities across the region.

Apart from increasing train capacity, the doubling work is expected to reduce train detention and operational delays. Passenger and freight trains will experience smoother movement, leading to improved punctuality, shorter travel times, and enhanced reliability of railway services.

Financially, the project is projected to generate additional net earnings of around ₹3.08 crore annually through increased passenger and freight traffic. The proposal has demonstrated strong economic viability with a Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR) of 3.99 per cent and an impressive Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) of 22.30 per cent.

The Mararikulam–Alappuzha doubling project has been identified under Mission 3000 MT and forms part of the High Density Traffic Network Corridor initiative of Indian Railways. These programmes focus on expanding railway capacity in high-demand regions and creating future-ready transport infrastructure capable of supporting growing passenger and freight requirements.

The approval underscores Indian Railways’ commitment to modernising rail infrastructure, improving operational efficiency, and strengthening regional connectivity. The project is also expected to contribute to the socio-economic development of Kerala by facilitating faster transportation, supporting trade and tourism, and improving mobility for millions of passengers.

The approval of the ₹220.51 crore Mararikulam–Alappuzha doubling project marks a significant milestone in Kerala’s railway infrastructure development. By removing the last single-line bottleneck on a key Southern Railway corridor, the project will improve passenger services, enhance freight capacity, increase punctuality, and support regional economic growth. Once completed, it will play a crucial role in strengthening rail connectivity and creating a more efficient transportation network across Kerala.