KOLLAM: Train journeys through two stretches of North Kerala could become safer and faster, with Southern Railway planning 150 km of trackside safety fencing along the Payangadi-Bekal Fort and Quilandi-Thalassery sections as part of works linked to increasing train speeds.
The two projects are expected to strengthen the safety of train operations by creating a physical barrier between the tracks and adjoining areas. The works are particularly significant for the Quilandi-Thalassery section, where the tender issued by the Southern Railway refers to operations at 130 kmph.
The first project covers the Payangadi-Bekal Fort section, where Southern Railway has proposed 70 km of safety fencing and 7.4 km of boundary wall along the trackside in connection with increasing speed. The work has an advertised value of Rs 45.63 crore and is to be completed within 12 months.
The second project covers the Quilandi-Thalassery section, involving 80 km of safety fencing and 0.7 km of boundary wall. The work has an advertised value of Rs 42.01 crore, with a completion period of 12 months.
The fencing will use W-beam steel barriers, while the boundary walls will include pre-stressed precast panels and precast columns. Such physical segregation of the railway corridor can help reduce the possibility of people, animals or other obstructions entering the track area.
For passengers, the works are significant as they strengthen the infrastructure required for safer higher-speed train operations on two stretches of the Palakkad division.