The construction of a new railway bridge at Dharmadam, located in the Kannur district of Kerala, is set to revolutionise the speed of train travel across the region. The newly completed bridge.
which replaces an older structure, is designed to facilitate trains moving at speeds of up to 130 km/h, enhancing travel efficiency and comfort. While the bridge itself has been completed, the associated track and electrification work are still ongoing, and the new bridge is expected to be fully operational once the track installation is finalised.The project, which had been in the works for several years, faced significant delays due to land acquisition issues. The Railway authorities struggled to obtain the necessary land for track installation, much of which was privately owned. Land acquisition, which began in 2015, has only recently been completed, with the required land now handed over to the Railways. This prolonged delay has hindered the speed at which the project could progress. However, with the land acquisition hurdles behind, the new bridge and its associated upgrades now have the potential to transform the rail network in the region.
The Dharmadam bridge is an integral part of the broader effort to modernise Kerala’s railway infrastructure. It is strategically located on the down-line route towards Kannur, and its introduction is expected to significantly reduce the time taken to travel between key cities in Kerala. It is also set to improve the overall reliability and safety of the railway network in the region.While the Dharmadam bridge is already an important addition, the larger project aims to enhance the overall speed of trains on the route. The Railway authorities are also undertaking an extensive project to widen the track on either side of the line, which will allow for trains to travel at faster speeds. The straightening of curves and the expansion of the cess area—an essential part of the rail network—will enable trains to run smoothly and safely at higher speeds.
Additionally, soil and gravel work is underway in various areas to elevate the track to the required levels for the upgraded system.The effort to increase the speed limit on the Dharmadam route to 130 km/h is part of a larger strategy to improve the railway services across the Shoranur-Mangaluru corridor, which includes replacing older and outdated bridges. Older structures, such as the Thalassery Koduvally and Vadakara Moorad bridges, are still in need of replacement. Once these older bridges are replaced, and the full scope of the upgrade is completed, the overall efficiency of the railway system in Kerala will witness a substantial improvement.This initiative is part of a wider movement to modernise India’s railway infrastructure to better serve the growing transportation needs of the country. Railways in Kerala, a state known for its strong commitment to sustainable transportation, stand to benefit significantly from the improved train speeds, which will cut down on travel time, enhance the passenger experience, and contribute to the region’s economic growth.
The impact of this project goes beyond just increasing train speeds. It also promises to improve safety, comfort, and connectivity for passengers across the region. The Dharmadam bridge is expected to play a crucial role in the future of Kerala’s railway system, allowing faster and more reliable travel, aligning with the state’s vision of creating an eco-friendly, efficient, and sustainable public transport system.
This new development comes at a time when Kerala’s rail infrastructure is being rapidly upgraded, making it an important part of the state’s long-term commitment to a greener, more connected future.
