The Centre is steadily advancing the modernisation of 35 railway stations in Kerala under the Amrit Bharat Scheme, alongside fully funding the construction of 55 major railway overbridges, BJP State President Rajeev Chandrasekhar confirmed on Sunday.
Addressing the state’s growing transportation needs, Chandrasekhar said these initiatives signify a substantial push towards upgrading Kerala’s railway infrastructure, enhancing passenger convenience and operational efficiency. A major announcement included the upcoming introduction of Vande Bharat sleeper trains, particularly the proposed sleeper service along the Jammu–Kanyakumari corridor, which he said would carry special significance for Kerala. These trains are expected to elevate long-distance rail travel comfort while maintaining Vande Bharat’s speed and efficiency. He further stated that the Railway Board has approved doubling the coach capacity of the Thiruvananthapuram–Mangaluru Vande Bharat Express from eight to sixteen coaches. This move comes in response to increasing passenger demand and underscores the central government’s intention to strengthen existing services in the region.
Chandrasekhar reiterated that the Modi government will fully finance the construction of 55 railway overbridges across Kerala, aiming to resolve bottlenecks and enhance safety by reducing railway crossings. “These collective developments underline the central government’s focused efforts on transforming Kerala’s transport landscape. The vision of ‘Viksita Keralam’ — a developed Kerala — is closer to realisation with each such milestone. Kerala is not only catching up with the national pace of infrastructure growth but also becoming a key contributor to the country’s economic and logistical advancement,” he said. The Amrit Bharat Scheme, under which the 35 railway stations are being modernised, focuses on upgrading passenger amenities, station accessibility, and architectural aesthetics, while also integrating sustainability features and digital systems. The scheme is part of a broader national effort to revitalise India’s railway network in a phased, inclusive manner. Kerala, with its dense population and critical inter-state rail corridors, is expected to benefit significantly from these interventions. The new sleeper trains, enhanced express services, and upgraded station facilities are aimed at easing travel, boosting tourism, and strengthening the state’s logistical backbone.
As the projects move forward, the state is poised to see a marked transformation in its rail infrastructure, reflecting the central government’s push for balanced regional development and its continued investment in Kerala’s growth.
