Here are some thoughts from fellow forumers


Kollam's potential to develop is truely great. Most of that potential can be realised in synergy with its much bigger neighbour, Trivandrum.

As we have discussed here many a time, most of the commuters from Kollam head for work in the capital. Indeed, with the commute hovering at around an hour's time either way, Kollam is as good as an extended suburb of Trivandrum. One can travel faster from Kollam to Technocity than from say Nedumangad or Neyyantinkara which are bonafide suburbs/satellite towns of the capital city.

The development of a Trivandrum - Kollam Growth Corridor is indeed a superb idea. I totally agree with you on that count. The development of the NH-47 and M.C.Road into 4-lane highways along with the commencement of MEMU services are strong steps in that very direction.

The extension of Trivandrum's IT Corridor till Attingal together with the establishment of major projects like the ESI Medical College at Paripally have already brought the borders of the two cities close. Soon, the Trivandrum Capital Region will be notified with its northern border at Varkala, which is just a few kilometers south of the U/A of Kollam.

Greater Kollam will probably start at Karunagapalli and merge with Greater Trivandrum at Varkala. Added together, the State's 1st and 4th biggest cities will create a urban agglomeration with over 3 million population, by far the largest in Kerala.

Kollam and Trivandrum have shared close ties for centuries and we have never been as close as we are now. The future is an united one for us. The same airport, same port and same urban amenities! Just as Thane has merged with Mumbai or Gurgaon with Delhi, we should look forward to a merged existance in the near future, within the next 15 years or so.

The key thing is to stand united in all issues related to development since what benefits Kollam benefits Trivandrum and vice-verse. The latest case in point being the fact that it is the proximity to Technopark, which prompted the establishment of the first district-level IT park in Kerala at Kollam.

Looking forward to a lively and constructive discussion on this. Lol, imagine a few years from now when the SSC threads of the two cities are merged into the same folder, for starters! :cheers:

A single U.A for Kollam and Trivandrum cities is a good idea. The growth corridor should be a circular one along Neyyatinkara, Poovar shipyard, Kovalam, vizhinjam port, Technopark Phase 1, 2 and 3, technocity, TIA, Kollam port, Kollam technopark, Kottarakkara, Ayur, Chadayamangalam, Kilimanoor, Trivandrum city.

Another growth corridor can be planned along Kollam Shenkottai road [this road should be developed to cater to the traffic of Vizhinjam and Kollam port connecting Tamilnadu] and another one along trivandrum, nedumangad [educational corridor ?]

Can we also think of a greenfield international airport at a place some where equidistant from both cities, probably 20 yrs from now? probaby at that time current TIA can be made a cargo hub airport.

Bangalore and Mysore though 150 kms apart are already being addressed as twin cities. Kollam and Trivandrum which are just around 60 kms apart [probably even closer once the TCR is notified] should start planning as twin cities and a big growth engine for our nation. is it already time to plan for a common Metro network for the TVM-Kollam U.A?

Six laning of Karunagapally - Nagarcoil road, Kollam - Shenkottai, Kottarakkara - TVM should also be planned ASAP.

The idea is great Robin. But it does not mean the development activites and fund should be allocated only in one specific district. It should be more of a distributed one. If we are looking at a combined Kollam - Trivandrum urban area, there have to be a lot of study and debate go into the subject so that both the cities should reap the benefits of the comined development efforts. It should not be like that we can scrap the projects of one city from now onwards because it is going to come up in the other city.

The idea of a common Central Airport somewhere betweem Paripally and Attingal is a good idea as it will be equidistant from both the cities. (Around 35 KMs). Please note that the new airport in Bangalore (2nd largest in India in area) is at an average of 40 - 45 Kms away from the main centers of Bangalore city. Even the Nedumbassery airport is almost 30 Kms away from Cochin.

The new airport can find enough space in the Paripally and Attingal belt. Lets think out of the box now. The government should start acquisition of land in this area as soon as possible as the new airport will benefit immensely in the development and investment domains of both the cities and the districts in a gigantic way in future. 4 lane roads can be developed to link the new airport with major towns like Varkala, Kottarakkara and Kilimanoor. As mentioned by Robin, The Karunagapally - Kollam - Paripally - Attingal - Trivamdrum - Nagercovil NH 47 stretch should be widened to 6 lane like the Outer Ring road in Bangalore.

The Kollam based MEMU service is a big initiative regarding the Kollam - Trivandrum combined Urban Area

Kollam Cargo Port should not be neglected for the sake of Vizhinjam as Kollam is the hub of cashew and mineral industry. Already, Kollam Cargo Port is been neglected for the sake of Cohin Port and Tuticorin port. Infact Vizhinjam's devlopment will not be at the cost of Kollam Port. Instead Vizhinjam can be made a major transhipment hub terminal at the southern part of India so that the Kollam Cargo Port should become more relevant and meaningful in terms Cargo traffic.

Trivandrums Urban Area development will be maily towards the northern side as it cannot encorach into the borders of Tamil Nadu which is just a few Kms from Vizhijam in the south. The development of Trivandrum will be mainly towards the north for which Techno City is the major example. IT development (if we look at the Bangalore - Mysore IT corridor model) will be really encroaching towards the Kollam district as already the Kollam Techno Park ground work has began.

Hope there will be a time when the Kollam - Trivandrum NH - 47 stretch see multinational company buses and cabs plying on each direction.

The politicians and visionaries have to set their vision right now itself.

We should not waste time. Otherwise, other cities will go ahead.

I welcome Ajay, Sudheesh, Robin and Co to set their plans and suggestion about these combined Kollam - Trivandrum Urban Area development.
^^^^^^^^

Reghu - There is no need for any project to be dropped at all. In fact, taking the example of Kollam Port, it would be developed far more in conjunction with Vizhinjam than in isolation!

Please read more about that idea here. (http://tvmrising.blogspot.com/2008/08/vizhinjam-2050.html) :)

At just 60 Kms, the distance between the Trivandrum and Kollam (current) urban areas makes them the two closest major cities in Kerala with that gap narrowing rapidly. Thus, Kollam has the benefit of access to metropolitan facilities like the International Airport. Trivandrum International Airport is only slightly farther from Kollam than BIAL is from the center of Bangalore.

Like you said, it is high time that we envision the future of the twin cities and plan for it. Perhaps, we can discuss the proposals in greater detail here and evolve some sort of a start-up plan.:)

Ajay, it is always better to have an airport atleast 25 to 30 Kms away from the heart of the city. If the airport is at the heart of the city, it may hamper the upcoming of big and tall residential projects as well as tall building complexes. Also, if the airport is away (25 - 35 Kms) means the congestion will be less inside the city due to the traffic towards the airport. So an airport (Infact Bangalore has 3 airbases where flights can land - HAL airport, Yelahanka Airbase where the current airo-expo happens as well as the big one at Devanahalli - BIAL ). So the combined Kollam - Trivandrum Urban area requires a big airport that is away from the hustle and bustle of the two cities. The ideal place is somewhere between Parippally and Attingal. We can give an ideal name as well: "Travancore International Airport"

So the development activites in the construction sector will not be hampered due to air regulations and rules.

I suggest you to come up with great ideas and proposals in Kollam thread just like the ones you post in Trivandrum threads. It will give more impetus for the combined urban development. Thanks for all your efforts in this regard:):):)

My 2 cents

1. in the line of TDF [Trivandrum development forum - an NGO comprising of professionals to support and lead development initiative in TCR] professionals in Kollam should come up with KDF. Along with that a joint forum of TDF and KDF should be constituted.

2. the joint forum should take lead in creating public awareness and interest about the twin city idea.

3. the joint forum should take up the following projects immediately - 1. 6 laning of karunagapally - Nagarcoil stretch, 2. 6 laning of Kottarakara Trivandrum stretch, 3. Vizhinjam mother port, 4. Kollam cargo port, 5. dedicated rail network between two ports. Also should think of ways to create public pressure for expediting the works of technocity and Kollam TP.

You are absolutely right, Robin. The Kollam Development Forum (KDF) is the need of the hour. It can drive and direct the enthusisam towards achieving the goals. Just like the significant projects in Trivandrum may give due benefits to Kollam city, the projects in Kollam like the Kollam MEMU Base Terminal, Kollam IT Park, Kollam Cashew Board, Kollam Cargo Port, ESI Medical and Dental Colleges, Kollam Junction Railway Station being the biggest junction in South Kerala and the immense tourism potential of Ashtamudi Lake is going to benefit Trivandrum in a bigger way as the future of Trivandrum's growth is towards the northern side.

I suggest the people of Trivandrum to support the project proposals and initiatives for Kollam as the benefit can be reaped by the two cities.


Robin, it is a great idea to have one thread which will be common for both the cities to give more impetus to the Kollam - Trivandrum Twin City concept. This thread will deal with the projects that will boost and bolster the development of both the cities. The threads that are currently active for both the cities can still be active for the specific city projects.

Sudheesh Bhai or Ajay can take the initiative to start the new thread. This thread will give more visibility to the forummers about the projects that are coming up in Kollam which is benefitful for Trivandrum as well.

The idea of the Twin City concept is a great vision for the overall development of South Travancore and adopt the best from other twin cities like Gurgaon - Delhi, Mumbai - Thane, Hydrabad - Secundrabad, Kolkatta - Howrah or Noida - Delhi.

Kollam - Trivandrum Twin City can emerge as biggest twin city is South India by 2020 if the developments efforts are initiated from now itself.^^^^

I think the following thought by Ajay summarizes all the above quotes

Kollam and Trivandrum have shared close ties for centuries and we have never been as close as we are now. The future is an united one for us

I think the following thought by Ajay summarizes all the above quotes

Kudos for your great initiative, Robin.

Hope Ajay may post his informative posts here as well.

Guys come on, lets float our ideas and initiatives to develop the Twin cities.

Hip hip hurray:banana::cheers::banana:

This is a great idea to start a discussion on Twin cities like 'Trivandrum -Kollam' when the urbanization of this area got a fast momentum now and huge investments are on the way.It should emerge as one of the biggest cities in South India in next 15-20 years.^^

Similar way we can start discussion on twin cities or chain of cities in other parts of Kerala too. We should consider the linked urban stretches like Aroor- Kochi-Aluva-Thrissur (100kms) , Kondotty - Kozhikode -Thalasseri- Kannur(100kms), Kottayam-Thiruvalla-Chengannur(30kms).And At least we can create a thread for Kochi-Trissur twin city as well

This is a great idea to start a discussion on Twin cities like 'Trivandrum -Kollam' when the urbanization of this area got a fast momentum now and huge investments are on the way.It should emerge as one of the biggest cities in South India in next 15-20 years.^^

Similar way we can start discussion on twin cities or chain of cities in other parts of Kerala too. We should consider the linked urban stretches like Aroor- Kochi-Aluva-Thrissur (100kms) , Kondotty - Kozhikode -Thalasseri- Kannur(100kms), Kottayam-Thiruvalla-Chengannur(30kms).And At least we can create a thread for Kochi-Trissur twin city as well

The actual distance between the heart of Kollam city to Trivandrum city is 71 KMs while the distance between Thattamala and Kazhakootum is mere 45 KMs.

This 45 Km is very important for the Twin city concept. There should be a 6 lane or can have a 8 lane road with the future in mind. We can also have think of a Elevated Highway from Thattamala to Kazhakootum (45 Kms) just like the Elevated Highway from Silk Board to Electronics city in Bangalore (Around 12 KMs)

A Metro Rail Project connecting the Kollam Trivandrum Twin city can be a great idea as there thousand going to and from the two cities everyday. This will increase once the Kollam Techno Park @ Kundara, ESI Medical College at Paripally, Techno City at Attingal and Techno Park Phase 3 at Kazhakootum becomes operational.

Expecting more suggestions and ideas from the Trivandrum forummers.:banana:

Good idea to discuss with.....kollam-trivandrum twin cities can emerge as the biggest one in south india, for that we need our developments to be focused, and indeed some good technical advisors, probably from out, y cant we borrow ideas from out if its good for development ....the very first thing we need is, good 4 or 6 lane connectivity b/w kollam and tvm, Suburban train services of international standards, if these things, above mentioned happens we can surge ahead of many investment destinations in southindia, And above all trivandrum must become mature itself as a metro city where, techies can spent their money, the lack of entertainment is an issue most of the techies quotes whenever they speak about tvm, with all the proposed malls and multiplexes in place we can fix this in a short time...

Good idea to discuss with.....kollam-trivandrum twin cities can emerge as the biggest one in south india, for that we need our developments to be focused, and indeed some good technical advisors, probably from out, y cant we borrow ideas from out if its good for development ....the very first thing we need is, good 4 or 6 lane connectivity b/w kollam and tvm, Suburban train services of international standards, if these things, above mentioned happens we can surge ahead of many investment destinations in southindia, And above all trivandrum must become mature itself as a metro city where, techies can spent their money, the lack of entertainment is an issue most of the techies quotes whenever they speak about tvm, with all the proposed malls and multiplexes in place we can fix this in a short time...

First of all I would like to thank those people who have taken initiative to start such a wonderful thread which may change the development cource of Kollam along with Trivandrum. Kollam is going to gain much from this wonderful concept.

Sanju your findings regarding the lack of entertainment opportunities in Trivandrum is correct when we compare it with the metros like Bangalore.

But the Kollam - Trivandrum twin city concept may mitigate this issue. Investment can be made to put up Entertainment parks at the banks of Ashtamudi in Kollam and the Hillocks in Kollam and Trivandrum. Moreover there can be Intercity tours To and Fro from Kollam to Trivandrum which may take less than an hour if the Kollam Trivandrum Metro Rail or Kollam Trivandrum 6 lane road materialize.

Invites more sugggestions.

....the very first thing we need is, good 4 or 6 lane connectivity b/w kollam and tvm, Suburban train services of international standards, if these things, above mentioned happens we can surge ahead of many investment destinations in southindia, And above all trivandrum must become mature itself as a metro city where, techies can spent their money, the lack of entertainment is an issue most of the techies quotes whenever they speak about tvm, with all the proposed malls and multiplexes in place we can fix this in a short time...

Sanju - As you may know, the connectivity between Trivandrum and Kollam is already developing to an extent unmatched anywhere else in Kerala. NH-47 and the M.C. Road are both being widened to 4-lanes. EMU services will start on the Trivandrum-Kollam sector by the end of the year and work is underway to renovate the waterway linking the two cities. So we have made a start on the connectivity.

As for the lack of entertainment, Trivandrum may lag behind the likes of Bangalore but the largest city in Kerala is as good as it gets in the State. Already the newest luxury hotels in the city sport pub-style bars as well as discos and the cultural calendar of Trivandrum is unmatched anywhere in Kerala. And unlike other places, Trivandrum offers easy access to beaches, hill-stations and backwaters.

As you said, once the under-development shopping malls are complete, we will have it as good in Trivandrum as in Bangalore. ;)

Similar way we can start discussion on twin cities or chain of cities in other parts of Kerala too. We should consider the linked urban stretches like Aroor- Kochi-Aluva-Thrissur (100kms) , Kondotty - Kozhikode -Thalasseri- Kannur(100kms), Kottayam-Thiruvalla-Chengannur(30kms).

RKPV - The Trivandrum - Kollam combination is made up of the biggest and fourth biggest urban areas in the State. We are talking close to 2.5 million people here. That itself sets it apart from the others. Add to the fact that we also have two ports in the area as well as the top-class multi-modal connectivity and the presence of a world-class knowledge sector cluster, and it is clear why the Trivandrum - Kollam agglomeration is the clear front-runner in Kerala.

Last but not the least, the distance between the peripheries of Kollam and Trivandrum is hardly 40 Km, and that gap is reducing by over a kilometer a year.

Eventually, such composite urban agglomerations will develop across Kerala. But, as of today, this one is the front-runner, followed perhaps by Cochin - Thrissur. :)

How do we take the idea to the masses? What all are our options? Internet is definitely an option to reach professionals from the region [And we should start with that soon]. How do we take the concept to others?

Trivandrum - Kollam combination is made up of the biggest and fourth biggest urban areas in the State. We are talking close to 2.5 million people here. That itself sets it apart from the others. Add to the fact that we also have two ports in the area as well as the top-class multi-modal connectivity and the presence of a world-class knowledge sector cluster, and it is clear why the Trivandrum - Kollam agglomeration is the clear front-runner in Kerala.

Last but not the least, the distance between the peripheries of Kollam and Trivandrum is hardly 40 Km, and that gap is reducing by over a kilometer a year.

Eventually, such composite urban agglomerations will develop across Kerala. But, as of today, this one is the front-runner, followed perhaps by Cochin - Thrissur. :)

You are right, Ajay. No other twin cities are much closer and have the population like Kollam - Trivandrum Twin Cities.

If you look at the Tourism potentail especially the Backwater Tourism, the future of the Entertainment industry looks really great. Huge investment can be made at the banks of Ahtamudi Lake for Amusement Parks and Theme Parks.

Morover, Tirumullvaram, Kovalam and Varkala can be exploited further using the Kollam Port and Vizhinjam Port for foreign and local Tourists luxury cruises accross the two cities.

The investment for Tourism, IT, Road and Rail Infrastructure should be allocated equally for both the Twin cities so that the region will develop uniformly and consistently. The potential is immense especially in Tourism and IT.^^

You are right, Ajay. No other twin cities are much closer and have the population like Kollam - Trivandrum Twin Cities.

The investment for Tourism, IT, Road and Rail Infrastructure should be allocated equally for both the Twin cities so that the region will develop uniformly and consistently. The potential is immense especially in Tourism and IT.^^

^^ - EQ - The investment will be made as per the potential. More investment in backwater tourism may go to Kollam while the bulk of the investment in IT may go to Trivandrum, for example. The overall investment pattern would be in the ratio of the size of the two cities, as would be the case with Bangalore-Mysore or Mumbai-Thane. And once we consider the two cities as a single entity, it does not matter where the investment goes, the benefits will be for everyone.

How do we take the idea to the masses? What all are our options? Internet is definitely an option to reach professionals from the region [And we should start with that soon]. How do we take the concept to others?

I think it is a little bit early in the day for us to take this concept public right now. The right strategy would be to let it develop as the TCR concept has done over the years. In fact, we should see how TCR itself evolves and then mimic the path that it took.

Trivandrum - Kollam U/A is not a short-term idea. It may be 10 or 15 years before it even becomes feasible and at least 20 years from now, when it can be put into practice. So we are in this for the long haul, so let's wait and see how things pan out.

In the meantime, we can bounce ideas around on this forum to come to some sort of agreement on the elements of the combined region and what all benefits will come out of the merger. :okay:

^^ hmm.. you are right Ajay. TCR is a good model to emulate.. but I think this is the right time to launch internet discussions through various net groups... rather than restricting this to only SSC.. Though the idea might take time to evolve, I think we need to take some initiatives to create synergy between different projects.. eg.. Technopark-Technocity-Kollam TP [the synergy is already there in this case], Road development [NH 47 - Shenkottai road - MC Road - I think these roads need to be 6 laned. 4lanes are insufficiant], Vizhinjam Mother port - Thangassery Cargo port.

Also there is another aspect.. last time when i traveled to Kottarakara from Trivandrum, it took me only 1hr 5 mts.. thats 10 mts less than may daily office commute time here in Bangalore :) Once the entire MC road work is completed traveling time between Trivandrum and Kottarakkara will reduce further. Same is the case betweek TVM and Kollam cities. So probably the single U.A concept may become a reality much sooner than we are anticipating.

Yaar, ideas always comes from dreams. People have called Archemedis, Galilio and other greats who dreamt as fools. As per our our previous President" Dreaming low is a crime. You should dream big, only then you will achieve something".
Regarding the Kollam - Trivandrum Twin City or the Elevated Highway between Kollam and Trivandrum are future possible projects. It is utter foolishness to think that we cannot emulate cities like Dubai who can even create cities in sea. Please note that there are a hell lot of Malayalees working in the construction work of Dubai Palm islands and Dubai Metro rail projects.

You cannot tell that the future projects like the Kollam - Trivandrum Twin City or the Elevated Highway between Kollam and Trivandrum will not happen in future. It is an inevitable thing. The future is really bright.

Only thing is the mentality of people should change. We are so concervative and traditional in so many areas. Lets think out of the box.

^^ EQ, Reghu.. check ur PM inbox :)

The proposed Coastal Highway from Thanagasseri--> Eravipuram --> Paravur --> Kappil --> Varkala -- >ChirayanKeezhu --> Kazhakoottam would ease the traffic in the congested NH47 and boost the tourism in Paravur Varkala coastal region. This route can also be used as a TOLL FREE alternative route, once the 4 line NH47 is completed under BOT scheme. A portion of this road is now under re-construction in Paravur --> Eravipuram--> Kollam route.

The proposed Coastal Highway from Thanagasseri--> Eravipuram --> Paravur --> Kappil --> Varkala -- >ChirayanKeezhu --> Kazhakoottam would ease the traffic in the congested NH47 and boost the tourism in Paravur Varkala coastal region. This route can also be used as a TOLL FREE alternative route, once the 4 line NH47 is completed under BOT scheme. A portion of this road is now under re-construction in Paravur --> Eravipuram--> Kollam route.

True, yaar. The coastal road section Thankasseri - Eravipuram can be made as a 4 lane one as it has the potential to become Kollam's Queen's Necklace in future. Already hise rise buidings have started to come up in this section with a range of hotels and apartments in the line. This section will resemble like the Mumbai marine drive or Kochin marin drive by 2020.

True, yaar. The coastal road section Thankasseri - Eravipuram can be made as a 4 lane one as it has the potential to become Kollam's Queen's Necklace in future. Already hise rise buidings have started to come up in this section with a range of hotels and apartments in the line. This section will resemble like the Mumbai marine drive or Kochin marin drive by 2020.

Can u post some pictures of this.....:)

Can u post some pictures of this.....:)

See the attached news about the reconstruction of Paravur-Eravipuram road.
The rest of the portion of Tangasserri- Kazhakoottam road is already existing.
There is a proposal for widening and developing this route as a State Highway. Collective Political pressure from MP's, MLA's and local athorities like Kollam Corporation, Paravur / Varkala Municipalities, Chirayankeezhu, Murukkumpuzha panchayath authorities are needed to realise this DREAM.

http://i42.tinypic.com/2iggoe0.jpg

It is great to see a person of the stature of Shashi Taroor is contesting from Trivandrum constituency. He has lot of experience behind him especially regarding the developments of world's great cities. Since he has visited most of the big cities in the world and has enough perception about the big Twin cities like Newyork - New Jersey, etc., we can pin hope that he will put all his expertise in the development of Trivandrum - Kollam Twin city development.

Kollam is also excited that a legendary visionary is contesting from the neighbouring constituency as his visions are worth and valuable for the development of Kollam as well. Trivandrum's long term development truly depends on the development of Kollam as it cannot expand too much to the south.

All the best for Shashi Taroor.^^

This trend is picking up and I think the entire Kerala will be a Huge megalopolis
along with Kerela CBE,Erode,Salem,Hosur,Bangalore,Mysore,Vellore,Kanchipuram and Chennai will form the thrid megalopolis of India after NCR and Mumbai-Ahmedabad

This trend is picking up and I think the entire Kerala will be a Huge megalopolis
along with Kerela CBE,Erode,Salem,Hosur,Bangalore,Mysore,Vellore,Kanchipuram and Chennai will form the thrid megalopolis of India after NCR and Mumbai-Ahmedabad

The Megalapolis concept is more common in North America where two adjoining cities are developed as an integrated one though the cities have their independent existence.

All the best for Shashi Taroor.^^

^^ - Let's hope for the best, Dr. Tharoor could one of the few people contesting to the Lok Sabha, who would understand such concepts as twin-cities.

^^ - Let's hope for the best, Dr. Tharoor could one of the few people contesting to the Lok Sabha, who would understand such concepts as twin-cities.

I tHink Thrissur-Cochin is another best option for Twin Cites or corridors...

Because both has gained lot between them.. and mostly Cochin has got more Thrissur Business People.. doing businees there...

Hope.. We can get this done...

I tHink Thrissur-Cochin is another best option for Twin Cites or corridors...

Because both has gained lot between them.. and mostly Cochin has got more Thrissur Business People.. doing businees there...

Hope.. We can get this done...

How many kilometers are there bw tcr & cochin....

How many kilometers are there bw tcr & cochin....

It's almost 70 kms.. and can reach in less than 1.3 hours... when current road works are complete....

It's almost 70 kms.. and can reach in less than 1.3 hours... when current road works are complete....

The Ernakulum City centre to Trichur city centre distance is 75 KMs and Trivandrum city centre to Kollam city centre is 71 KMs.

The distance between the Kollam Bypass and Trivandrum Bypass is mere 45 Kms. So the Trivandrum - Kollam development corridor is just 45 KM distance. The Techno city in Trivandrum, The ESI Medical college at Parippaly Kollam, MES Educational Institutions at Chathanoor Kollam, Azeezia Medical college at Meyanoor Kollam, and lots of eductional and hospitality institutions will make this a great corridor.

Both the cities will look forward to this corridor in future for the overall development of the two districts.

The Ernakulum City centre to Trichur city centre distance is 75 KMs and Trivandrum city centre to Kollam city centre is 71 KMs.

The distance between the Kollam Bypass and Trivandrum Bypass is mere 45 Kms. So the Trivandrum - Kollam development corridor is just 45 KM distance. The Techno city in Trivandrum, The ESI Medical college at Parippaly Kollam, MES Educational Institutions at Chathanoor Kollam, Azeezia Medical college at Meyanoor Kollam, and lots of eductional and hospitality institutions will make this a great corridor.

Both the cities will look forward to this corridor in future for the overall development of the two districts.

Is good to hear if such projects comes up....

The distance between the Kollam Bypass and Trivandrum Bypass is mere 45 Kms. So the Trivandrum - Kollam development corridor is just 45 KM distance. The Techno city in Trivandrum, The ESI Medical college at Parippaly Kollam, MES Educational Institutions at Chathanoor Kollam, Azeezia Medical college at Meyanoor Kollam, and lots of eductional and hospitality institutions will make this a great corridor.


Adding to this is the proposed MEMU service which will bring the cities further close with respect to time spend on travel

Is good to hear if such projects comes up....

In between TVM and Kollam, Attingal, Chthannoor and Kottiyam are more or less like mini cities themselves and so after 10 years the whole stretch will look like one metro. I would like to see a mono-rail connectivity over the NH47 to connect the two centers!!

In between TVM and Kollam, Attingal, Chthannoor and Kottiyam are more or less like mini cities themselves and so after 10 years the whole stretch will look like one metro. I would like to see a mono-rail connectivity over the NH47 to connect the two centers!!

Adding to it.. (Thrissur -- Cochin)

Nedumasherry Airport comes at almost in the middle of these to cities which adds importance to the Ieda of Twin city..
Moreover Cochin is almost extended to Aluva and the only thing is Thrissur needs to grow till Pudukkad and Which makes both cities Much Closer...

Commercially both cites has got the infrastructure to grow... where Thrissur has more space for development..

Considering the fact that Towns like Chalakudy and Anagamali are towns which can grow themself and who are currently well built.. This Idea of Thrissur - Cochin seems to be much in substance...

So a Center Kerala Corridor will be made which is very much required since we know cochin needs more space to grow..

^^ Vinod open a new thread to discuss the toipc you are talking about. This is for discussion Kollam-Trivandrum twin citites only

Guys after reading all these.....guys y cant we think about calicut-kannur twin cities, NH 17 is going to be 4 laned very soon and we have many large satellite towns like talassery, mahe, vatakara, quilandy in between, kannur intl airport is goin to come up near talassery....hope its not a wild imagination.......:weird::blahblah:

^^ Vinod open a new thread to discuss the toipc you are talking about. This is for discussion Kollam-Trivandrum twin citites only

Did not wanted to distrub you topic... Just wanted to add views... thats all

Will Open a New one soon... Thanks...

Did not wanted to distrub you topic... Just wanted to add views... thats all

Will Open a New one soon... Thanks...

And now this is gonna get MAD Sanju..... :D :banana:


So we will have a north south and Center Corridors :)

In between TVM and Kollam, Attingal, Chthannoor and Kottiyam are more or less like mini cities themselves and so after 10 years the whole stretch will look like one metro. I would like to see a mono-rail connectivity over the NH47 to connect the two centers!!

You are absolutely right. The best twin cities in Kerala will be Trivandrum and Kollam itself as Kollam depends to much on Trivandrum currently and most of the offices that should be served for Kollam are under Trivandrum jusrisdiction. Moreover, the Trivandrum medical college is mainly used by Kollamaites. The Techno Park has a sizable Kollam population. The same thing is going to happen with Techno City. Moreover, the people of these two cities are more close due to marriage realtionships and inter city jobs.

All these combined has indeed prompted the authorities to start more passenger trains between Kollam and Trivandrum. The MEMU is next big step for this connection

Guys after reading all these.....guys y cant we think about calicut-kannur twin cities, NH 17 is going to be 4 laned very soon and we have many large satellite towns like talassery, mahe, vatakara, quilandy in between, kannur intl airport is goin to come up near talassery....hope its not a wild imagination.......:weird::blahblah:

Sanju, this not a joke or wild imajination. You can travel from Kollam to Trivandrum. See the distance between Kottiyam and Kazhakootum - mere 40 - 45 Kms. Morover, the towns in between this stretch like Chathanoor, Paripally, Kallmbalam, Attingal are all developing fast. There is enough scope for more IT parks in this stretch than any other stretch in Kerala once the recession is over.

MEMU Terminal base at Kollam for the suburban service is a perfect example that makes Kollam in the lime light in the Twin city concept. Kollam will develop fast once the MEMU becomes operational. It takes only 45 minutes to reach Trivandrum then. Currently Superfast Express trains covering Kollam - Trivandrum distance in 50 minutes. I think it takes 1 hour 15 minutes to travel from Ernakulam Junction to Trichur even in a Super fast Express train.

It is a good idea to think about Cochin - Trichur twin city as well. But the need of the hour is Kollam - Trivandrum twin city as Trivandrum can only grow towards north that is towards Kollam as south is Tamil Nadu.

This concept is relatively new to Kerala and the first initiaive will be Kollam - Trivandrum twin city. Delhi - Noida, Delhi - Gurugaon, Mumbai - Navi Mumbai, Mumbai - Thane are some of the examples. I think Sashi Taroor can do something regarding this pestigious concept that should materialize in the next 10 - 12 years in future.

Sanju, this not a joke or wild imajination. You can travel from Kollam to Trivandrum. See the distance between Kottiyam and Kazhakootum - mere 40 - 45 Kms. Morover, the towns in between this stretch like Chathanoor, Paripally, Kallmbalam, Attingal are all developing fast. There is enough scope for more IT parks in this stretch than any other stretch in Kerala once the recesiion is over.

MEMU Terminal base at Kollam for the suburban service is a perfect example that makes Kollam in the lime light in the Twin city concept. Kollam will develop fast once the MEMU becomes operational. It takes only 45 minutes to reach Trivandrum then. Currently Superfast Express trains covering Kollam - Trivandrum distance in 50 minutes. I think it takes 1 hour 15 minutes to travel from Ernakulam Junction to Trichur even in a Super fast Express train.

It is a good idea to think about Cochin - Trichur twin city as well. But the need of the hour is Kollam - Trivandrum twin city as Trivandrum can only grow towards north that is towards Kollam as south is Tamil Nadu.

This concept is relatively new to Kerala and the first initiaive will be Kollam - Trivandrum twin city. Delhi - Noida, Delhi - Gurugaon, Mumbai - Navi Mumbai, Mumbai - Thane are some of the examples. I think Sashi Taroor can do something regarding this pestigious concept that should materialize in the next 10 - 12 years in future.

Regu, i am not taking about tvm-klm twin cities...i mentioned only about calicut-kannur....whether it is a wild imagination or not....:lol:

Regu, i am not taking about tvm-klm twin cities...i mentioned only about calicut-kannur....whether it is a wild imagination or not....:lol:

Sanju, I was just pointing about the facts. Afterall, we have to think about innovative concepts rather than going with old development schemes. It is a pity that these cities are in Kerala where the politicians does not have any interest and will power.:bash:

People like us can chip in only with the new concepts. Hope some visionary leader will implement these ideas sometime in future.

Dr. Tharoor has already talked about twinning ... the concept is that TVM can be twined with a major city like , say LA, and the development process will be coupled. For example, town planning experts from LA could give their expertise in TVM and vice versa. It would be nice if such a twinning is extended to a coupled Kollam-TVM stretch and so we could witness a great growth story in the coming decade.

Dr. Tharoor has already talked about twinning ... the concept is that TVM can be twined with a major city like , say LA, and the development process will be coupled. For example, town planning experts from LA could give their expertise in TVM and vice versa. It would be nice if such a twinning is extended to a coupled Kollam-TVM stretch and so we could witness a great growth story in the coming decade.

Yes, Dr.Tharoor... is someone.. to look for...

Yes, Reghu in the above post is right... Kerala is lacking leaders.. who can implement New Ideas....

They all do the same thing.. But no poin in say the same thing about the Governments.. So I'm zipping up...

Dr. Tharoor has already talked about twinning ... the concept is that TVM can be twined with a major city like , say LA, and the development process will be coupled. For example, town planning experts from LA could give their expertise in TVM and vice versa. It would be nice if such a twinning is extended to a coupled Kollam-TVM stretch and so we could witness a great growth story in the coming decade.

Yes, we can take the best of LA, NY and NJ for the twin city developments.
Kollam - Trivandrum can be the first of the twin city concept in Kerala. It is the most feasible as the distance between the two cities is relatively less.

All the best for Shashi Taroor and the new concept.

Dr. Tharoor has already talked about twinning ... the concept is that TVM can be twined with a major city like , say LA, and the development process will be coupled. For example, town planning experts from LA could give their expertise in TVM and vice versa. It would be nice if such a twinning is extended to a coupled Kollam-TVM stretch and so we could witness a great growth story in the coming decade.

Shashi Tharoor is truly a global leader. Let's keep our fingures crossed.

The following news came in the Pravasi online edition some time back:

The new venture with private-public partnership receives unprecedented success. In the first of its unofficial meeting, Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) is stated to have received around Rs.110 crores of investment guarantee from private parties. This underlines the interest of private industrialists to invest in projects of private-public partnerships in Kerala. Initial aim of the company was to attract an investment of Rs.100 crores capital through public-private participation. Out of this a minimum share of 26% has been decided to collect from the common people, who invest an amount less than Rs. One lakh. As per this, investors can deposit their share in the SBT, SBI banks with an amount not less than Rs. 10,000.

The proposed projects, which, INKEL would undertake initially are the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam high-tech corridor, Electronic City and Textile City at Kochi, High-tech Educational Hub at Kozhikode and a small-scale seaport development. Industries Minister Mr. Elamaram Kareem and Ex-Chief Secretary Mr. John Mathai are the Chairman and Managing Director of INKEL respectively.

The following news came in the Pravasi online edition some time back:

The new venture with private-public partnership receives unprecedented success. In the first of its unofficial meeting, Infrastructure Kerala Limited (INKEL) is stated to have received around Rs.110 crores of investment guarantee from private parties. This underlines the interest of private industrialists to invest in projects of private-public partnerships in Kerala. Initial aim of the company was to attract an investment of Rs.100 crores capital through public-private participation. Out of this a minimum share of 26% has been decided to collect from the common people, who invest an amount less than Rs. One lakh. As per this, investors can deposit their share in the SBT, SBI banks with an amount not less than Rs. 10,000.

The proposed projects, which, INKEL would undertake initially are the Thiruvananthapuram-Kollam high-tech corridor, Electronic City and Textile City at Kochi, High-tech Educational Hub at Kozhikode and a small-scale seaport development. Industries Minister Mr. Elamaram Kareem and Ex-Chief Secretary Mr. John Mathai are the Chairman and Managing Director of INKEL respectively.

This project has been mooted by most of the forummers in this thread. Will the government and INKEL materialze the project? Lets keep our fingures crossed.

It's almost 70 kms.. and can reach in less than 1.3 hours... when current road works are complete....

Let us see one more thing.

Coimbatore - to Thiruppur City just 40kms (together have 20 Lac population,and difficult to say which is the city limit)
Coimbatore - Pollachi (As big as kollam)- 38 kms
Coimbatore - to Palakkad- 45 km
Coimbatore - Mettupalayam - 42 kms

Still, None of experts are calling Coimbatore as Multy City metro.

Actually TVM-Kollam, Kochi-Tsr and Kozhikode-Kannur are far behind this.
Let our kerala cities grow more... once our paper projects like smart city, thechno city , kinaloor city etc becomes a reality , we can call our cities as twin, triple ,multy or whatever.

Let us see one more thing.

Coimbatore - to Thiruppur City just 40kms (together have 20 Lac population,and difficult to say which is the city limit)
Coimbatore - Pollachi (As big as kollam)- 38 kms
Coimbatore - to Palakkad- 45 km
Coimbatore - Mettupalayam - 42 kms

Still, None of experts are calling Coimbatore as Multy City metro.

Actually TVM-Kollam, Kochi-Tsr and Kozhikode-Kannur are far behind this.
Let our kerala cities grow more... once our paper projects like smart city, thechno city , kinaloor city etc becomes a reality , we can call our cities as twin, triple ,multy or whatever.

RKPV, the twin city project does not mean that Kollam and Trivandrum will be integrated as a single metro city. I do not think it will ever happen as well because each of these cities has its own identity, culture and existance.

But the twin city concept will help the overall development of both the cities and more of the districts like Road infrtucture, Railway connectivity like MEMU or suburban rail system, IT parks, Real estate etc.

A Kollam guy who works in Trivandrum city does not need to relocate or settle down in Trivandrum if he can reach Trivandrum within 40 - 45 minutes and vice versa. So the Twin city development should consider more of the better connectivity between the two cities and job oppurtunities and other amenities for both the cities. The IT corridor, Tech Parks, MEMU, Medical Colleges and other educational institutions coming up between Trivandrum and Kollam will pave way for that. You know the BIAL airport in Bangalore is almost 30 - 42 KMs away from the main city centres. The Kollam Bypass - Kazhakootum Byapass distance is around 45 Kms.

Let us see one more thing.

Coimbatore - to Thiruppur City just 40kms (together have 20 Lac population,and difficult to say which is the city limit)
Coimbatore - Pollachi (As big as kollam)- 38 kms
Coimbatore - to Palakkad- 45 km
Coimbatore - Mettupalayam - 42 kms

Still, None of experts are calling Coimbatore as Multy City metro.

Actually TVM-Kollam, Kochi-Tsr and Kozhikode-Kannur are far behind this.
Let our kerala cities grow more... once our paper projects like smart city, thechno city , kinaloor city etc becomes a reality , we can call our cities as twin, triple ,multy or whatever.

It's true....
these decisions will mostly stay in this Thread and it is really difficult to see whether any state government will ever think about such possibilties...


I wish this forumers are considered by state for City Planing :) :bash::bash:

Perceptions differ. Having seen most of the major Indian cities, I would say Kerala fares better. Trivandrum-Kollam stretch appears much urban, modern and polished than any of the stretch you mentioned above. We have well developed mini towns/junctions like Kazhakuttom, Mangalapuram, Attingal, Kallambalam, Paripally, Kottiyam, Kalluvathukkal etc. You never feel like going through any rural/undeveloped area. I have driven through these stretches you mentioned during the Trivandrum-Bangalore drives in my car. The drive from Trivandrum to Trissur appears to be more ‘first world’ like to me rather than the stretch from Coimbatore onwards.

There is one more ‘technical’ thing in LSG Department (Local Self Government or ‘Taddesa Syambharana Vakuppu’) when compared with TN. In TN, there is a unique category ‘Town Panchayats’ which is not there in Kerala. So the small towns which come up along the highways which are not big enough to be a municipality, but not of a rural character will be classified as ‘Town Panchayats’. So effectively even in census too, there would be more urban population. For example, take the case of Trivandrum-Nagercoil highway, Balaramapuram, in Trivandrum district is a bustling trade centre which is a panchayat, whereas ‘Marthandam’ in Kanyakumari district is a ‘Town Panchayat’. If it were so here too Kazhakuttom, Mangalapuram, Kallambalam, Paripally, Kalluvathukkal, Kottiyam etc would be Town Panchayats rather than grama panchayats and be in urban 'technically' too.

Sometimes Bangalore-Mysore is also touted as twin cities, within 140 kms and connected by a four lane SH presently. (Anyway they do not have even double line rail connection, nor it is electrified.) The stretch is no way comparable to the Trivandrum-Trissur section (I have not driven extensively in the Malabar area.) as far the visible signs of development along the stretch.
Anyway these are not much relevant here. TVM-Kollam is growing as a urban corridor.
“The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which had carried out a feasibility study on the need for a rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System for the capital a couple of years ago, suggested introduction of suburban services at a cost of Rs.176 crore. It sought MEMU trains on the 82-km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram- Neyyattinkara stretch”
May be in the years to come, as the Four laning as well as MEMUs are in place, both the cities can converge. I lived in Trivandrum and travelled for my studies to Kollam for my B Tech & MBA which used to take 1-1.5 hours. Now my daily drive for work in Bangalore also takes same time.

I know INFOSYSians driving daily (also car pooling) to Technopark from Kollam. While Southern Railway discussion forum (managed by SR) was active, there were several requests for stops for kollam bound express trains at Kazhakuttom. Technopark also operates ‘Technopark Express’ services which connects the different areas of the park with Kazhakuttom and Karyavattom also does service to the railway station in the morning and evening. More to say, my previous colleagues (site engineers)working at SFS Cyber Palms were commuting from to Kollam daily. For a site engineer there is no 9-5 work, even then most of them were comfortable travelling. Hope their lives would be easier once the MEMU starts running.

The advantage kerala gives to its citizen is the fact he need not shift to city centres for a good life, thereby stressing the resources. Here a person can live in Kollam and work in Trivandrum which is not that much possible in Bangalore. If you go 45 kms out of Bangalore you are in nowhere!!

TVM-Kollam is growing as a urban corridor. “The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, which had carried out a feasibility study on the need for a rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System for the capital a couple of years ago, suggested introduction of suburban services at a cost of Rs.176 crore. It sought MEMU trains on the 82-km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram- Neyyattinkara stretch”
May be in the years to come, as the Four laning as well as MEMUs are in place, both the cities can converge. I lived in Trivandrum and travelled for my studies to Kollam for my B Tech & MBA which used to take 1-1.5 hours. Now my daily drive for work in Bangalore also takes same time.

I know INFOSYSians driving daily (also car pooling) to Technopark from Kollam. While Southern Railway discussion forum (managed by SR) was active, there were several requests for stops for kollam bound express trains at Kazhakuttom. Technopark also operates ‘Technopark Express’ services which connects the different areas of the park with Kazhakuttom and Karyavattom also does service to the railway station in the morning and evening. More to say, my previous colleagues (site engineers)working at SFS Cyber Palms were commuting from to Kollam daily. For a site engineer there is no 9-5 work, even then most of them were comfortable travelling. Hope their lifes would be easier once the MEMU starts running.

The advantage kerala gives to its citizen is the fact he need not shift to city centres for a good life, thereby stressing the resources. Here a person can live in Kollam and work in Trivandrum which is not that much possible in Bangalore. If you go 45 kms out of Bangalore you are in nowhere!!

Absolutely correct Sudheesh. Right on spot.^^

Rightly Said.... :) :banana::banana::banana:


But I wanted my above Wish to be in real .....

That is a great advantage to have ..
Professionals can live an urban life in Kollam and commute to TVM for work in less than an hour!! People who do not love urban life can opt for semi urban lives at small towns along the NH47 or even pure villages along the stretch, but still reach the work place in less than one hour. That is a nice development model anywhere in the world.

Rightly Said.... :) :banana::banana::banana:
But I wanted my above Wish to be in real .....


Vinod, what wish? This one?

I wish this forumers are considered by state for City Planing

If those forumers include myself, sorry I would not be interested as of now, since it may not be possible to keep the level of living standards with the remuneration state gives. Also the career scope/development and work culture do matter a lot.

Perhaps during retirement, we can think of contractual positions, ha ha.:) Same would be with the case with Ajay. I am not sure about other forumers, but think only we hold the basic degrees & related expertise among the forumers here who could opt for urban planning.

I will cite one instance. Mr. Rajeev Vasudevan was the third CEO of Technopark, who had quit the Asia-Pac operations of Motorola to join Technopark. After my MBA, I had joined KINFRA as a Management Trainee that time. I had prepared a vision document about Technopark and send to him out of my sheer interest. He called me back and our acquaintance begun. Later he called me and asked whether I was interested in joining GTECH, the association of the Corporates in Technopark and I obliged. It was in 2002. He was a good professional, but under the prevalent conditions of our state service, a high flying professional cannot work for several reasons. He soon left. It was during his time Technopark made great strides of development.

BTW the State Govt has nothing to do anything specific towards this concept. It will be a by product of several possibilities which have started happening. For example, in NCR, all the three main regions, Delhi, Gurgaon, and NOIDA are under different state govts/regulations/administrative set ups. But it is generally considered as Delhi or NCR and the whole area gets benefitted. So Delhi Metro doesnot stop at the Haryana or UP border, but gets extended to Gurgaon & NOIDA. In the same lines, when the Govt had asked DMRCL to prepare a rail based suburban mass transport system for Trivandrum, they visualised it from Kollam to Neyyattinkara.

^^ As I said, there is not much the Govt has to play rather than being a facilitator, there are no geographic or demographic maps being redrawn, But from a business & corporate point of view, as well as general social development of the region, it holds good promises.

Infact you can say that there could be good lobbying from the business houses like the hoteliers, tour operators, architectural and consultancy firms. When I was in Trivandrum, I was involved in TATF (Trivandrum Agenda Task Force), a combine of the business houses in the city. Infact some leading architects/tour operators were pushing for more resorts in the Ashtamudi Lake area and then combine it with Poovar, Kovalam, Ponmudi to make it a full circuit. It holds good scope as the chartered flights from Europe are coming to Trivandrum only during the tourist season. And I think it is seeing results too, more resort projects are coming up like Mahindra Holidays in the otherwise less explored Ashtamudi banks. 'Synergy' is the buzz word here, what Trivandrum lacks, (like vast backwater stretches), Kollam can provide.

That is a great advantage to have ..
Professionals can live an urban life in Kollam and commute to TVM for work in less than an hour!! People who do not love urban life can opt for semi urban lives at small towns along the NH47 or even pure villages along the stretch, but still reach the work place in less than one hour. That is a nice development model anywhere in the world.

Absolutely yaar. You can enjoy an urban as well as village life though you are working in the city. Morover, the new developments are happening at towns like Paripally, Attingal, Pallipuram, etc.. It is a great advantage as the cities will not be so crowded.

^^ Infact some leading architects/tour operators were pushing for more resorts in the Ashtamudi Lake area and then combine it with Poovar, Kovalam, Ponmudi to make it a full circuit. It holds good scope as the chartered flights from Europe are coming to Trivandrum only during the tourist season. And I think it is seeing results too, more resort projects are coming up like Mahindra Holidays in the otherwise less explored Ashtamudi banks. 'Synergy' is the buzz word here, what Trivandrum lacks, (like vast backwater stretches), Kollam can provide.

Yes, absolutely true. This is the point that is relevant.

Great win for UPA and Congress:banana:. Shashi Taroor has done it:banana:. It is a big beginning for the development of this Kollam - Trivandrum region. Also, it is great that UPA candidate Peethambara Kuruppu has won the Kollam seat:banana:.

The Kollam - Trivandrum twin city concept will get more momentum with this great victory, the only aberration being Attingal constituency.

All the best for Manmohan Singh, Shasi Taroor and Peethambara Kuruppu.

This part of Kerala is hungry for development.

Great win for UPA and Congress:banana:. Shashi Taroor has done it:banana:. It is a big beginning for the development of this Kollam - Trivandrum region. Also, it is great that UPA candidate Peethambara Kuruppu has won the Kollam seat:banana:.

The Kollam - Trivandrum twin city concept will get more momentum with this great victory, the only aberration being Attingal constituency.

All the best for Manmohan Singh, Shasi Taroor and Peethambara Kuruppu.

This part of Kerala is hungry for development.

Don't worry Reghu, Kuruppannan hails from Kadambattukonam of Navaikulam Panchayat, which is part of Attingal Constituency. Kadambattukonam is the border for the Trivandrum & Quilon Districts. So he will be the link. But annan Karu Maaman parayunnthae kelkku. Gurunadhan parayunnathinappuram, kuruppannu mattonnum illa. Gurunadhan Thirondarathu irunnu onnum cheythilla, aaani adichathallandu.

Don't worry Reghu, Kuruppannan hails from Kadambattukonam of Navaikulam Panchayat, which is part of Attingal Constituency. Kadambattukonam is the border for the Trivandrum & Quilon Districts. So he will be the link. But annan Karu Maaman parayunnthae kelkku. Gurunadhan parayunnathinappuram, kuruppannu mattonnum illa. Gurunadhan Thirondarathu irunnu onnum cheythilla, aaani adichathallandu.

He has proposed lot of development schemes for Kollam. Hope he will implement these. He is elected in Kollam a stronghold of LDF just because of his attractive manifesto.

1. IT hub and a global standard Techno City at Kollam
2. Develop Kollam as a centre of higher education
3. Sainik School at Kollam
4. Cashew Board at Kollam shortly. Global attention for the industry with research facilities
5. More thrust to Tourism, coir and fisheries.
6. More Flyovers and overbridges at relevant junctions
7. More studies to tap the tourism potential of Ashtamudi and Beach Tourism
8.More focus and development for Kollam Cargo Port
9. Cold storage facilities at Neendakara for marine products
10. District hospital to be given a facelift by giving Medical College status
11. Kollam TS canal will be cleaned
12. Kollam Flyover and Bypass will be completed within a short period of time
13. Commercialization of coir industry with major focus at Chavara, Koivila and Thevalakkara
14. Adivasi rehabilitation centres at Punalur and Achen Kovil

He also promised that the Kollam Cargo Port development and the Kollam Bypass completion will be prime development initiatives that will be taken into account first.

Lets wait and see. We will apprise him in 2014. I believe a bachelor like him will dedicate his entire time for Kollam's development.

Let us see one more thing.

Coimbatore - to Thiruppur City just 40kms (together have 20 Lac population,and difficult to say which is the city limit)
Coimbatore - Pollachi (As big as kollam)- 38 kms
Coimbatore - to Palakkad- 45 km
Coimbatore - Mettupalayam - 42 kms

Still, None of experts are calling Coimbatore as Multy City metro.

Actually TVM-Kollam, Kochi-Tsr and Kozhikode-Kannur are far behind this.
Let our kerala cities grow more... once our paper projects like smart city, thechno city , kinaloor city etc becomes a reality , we can call our cities as twin, triple ,multy or whatever.

Not correct. Kollam (about 45 sq. km) is almost 3.5 times bigger than that of Pollachi (13 sq km). Pollachi has a population of around 90 K, while that of Kollam comes to 350 K. Kollam is a "Mahanagarasabha", while Pollachi is still a 'Nagaratchi" and not a 'Mahanagaratchi'.

I had been a regular traveller on all the above four stretches as mentioned by you till 2006 June (Just before I relocated to the ME). I wonder how the things changed in 36 months? Prior to 2006 June, we could see strectches of empty waste lands and farms in all the above routes originating from Kovai. So does was the Kovai-Perunthurai-Salem, Kovai-Trichy and the Kovai-Sathy routes.

Not correct. Kollam (about 45 sq. km) is almost 3.5 times bigger than that of Pollachi (13 sq km). Pollachi has a population of around 90 K, while that of Kollam comes to 350 K. Kollam is a "Mahanagarasabha", while Pollachi is still a 'Nagaratchi" and not a 'Mahanagaratchi'.

I had been a regular traveller on all the above stretches as mentioned by you till 2006 June (Just before I relocated to the ME). I wonder how the things changed in 26 months? Prior to 2006 June, we could see strectches of empty waste lands and farms in all the above routes.

Yes..Kollam is the 4th largest city in Kerala based on population. The details of Kollam corporation is given below:

Area - 57.28 sq. kms (The city could well expand further to Kundara towards east, Chavara towards North and Kottiyam towards South which will make the area 3 fold and population more than 6 lakhs. Chavara, Kundara and Kottiyam are well established satellite towns.)
Population - 361,441 (2001[update])

Definitely, Kollam's potential is great with Kollam Cargo Port, Cahew Board, MEMU Terminal - Kollam Junction Station, Neendakara - Shakthikulangara twin harbours, Chavara mineral industry hub, Kundara industrial hub and ofcourse the upcoming Kollam Techno Park @ Kundara, but all depends on the will of our politicians.

Not correct. Kollam (about 45 sq. km) is almost 3.5 times bigger than that of Pollachi (13 sq km). Pollachi has a population of around 90 K, while that of Kollam comes to 350 K. Kollam is a "Mahanagarasabha", while Pollachi is still a 'Nagaratchi" and not a 'Mahanagaratchi'.

I had been a regular traveller on all the above four stretches as mentioned by you till 2006 June (Just before I relocated to the ME). I wonder how the things changed in 36 months? Prior to 2006 June, we could see strectches of empty waste lands and farms in all the above routes originating from Kovai. So does was the Kovai-Perunthurai-Salem, Kovai-Trichy and the Kovai-Sathy routes.

You cannot compare Pollachi with Kollam. From the statistics itself it is clear where Kollam stands compared to Pollachi. The population of the 2 cities are miles apart. I think most the Kerala towns are bigger than Pollachi. I think RKPV has not seen most of the Kerala cities and towns.

There is no point in debating this...

Kerala even has the Ability to Become a Whole BIG City because of the closeness of its Towns..

So there is no point in arguing the Area or Size..

By the concept of twin City we will not get a BIG city infact the people in both the cities will gain.. It just provides enough transportation between them.. hence can live anywhere work anywhere :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

concept of Twin cities can be implemented in Cochin-Thrissur TVM-Kollam and also in Calicut-Kannur... Because people living in these cities depends on both the cities... and these cities are Partially Grown with the Municipalities in between them...

There is no point in debating this...

Kerala even has the Ability to Become a Whole BIG City because of the closeness of its Towns..

So there is no point in arguing the Area or Size..

By the concept of twin City we will not get a BIG city infact the people in both the cities will gain.. It just provides enough transportation between them.. hence can live anywhere work anywhere :banana: :banana: :banana: :banana:

concept of Twin cities can be implemented in Cochin-Thrissur TVM-Kollam and also in Calicut-Kannur... Because people living in these cities depends on both the cities... and these cities are Partially Grown with the Municipalities in between them...

Exactly, Vinod. You hit the bulls eye. Adiyos.

Exactly, Vinod. You hit the bulls eye. Adiyos.

Yes. Vinod rightly said it.

You cannot compare Pollachi with Kollam. From the statistics itself it is clear where Kollam stands compared to Pollachi. The population of the 2 cities are miles apart. I think most the Kerala towns are bigger than Pollachi. I think RKPV has not seen most of the Kerala cities and towns.

Very correct.

For knowing Kerala better, people should travel by road.
But what usually happens is people travel by rail and make misconceptions.

Especially in southern Kerala, the Travancore Kings were very particular to have the railwayline thru less populated area.

Due to the same reason, the King did not even let the railway line go beyond Kochu Veli.

You are correct, Navjot. It should pass through the important towns like Ayoor - Anchal - Kilimanoor - Kazhakootam - Trivandrum City.

This is the best path as most people of Kollam and Trivandrum will benefit. I do not think Attingal is relevant as Chirayinkil and Kadakkavoor is just a few kilometres away. The line can join at Kaniyapuram or Kazhakootam to join the main line.

If the line becomes a reality with electrified routes, circular suburban MEMU trains can be operated in the Kollam - Kottarakkara - Trivandrum route.:banana:

I also agree with EQ but want to add a couple of stations more. Moreover, Ayoor will be the ideal location for railway station than Anchal as the MC road also passes through this junction.

My suggestion is:

Kottarakkara - Neduvankavu - Ayoor - Kadakkal - Kilimanoor - Venjaramoodu - Kazhakootam - Trivandrum.

But first, lets hope the Chengannur - Pandalam - Adoor - Puttur - Kottarrakkara line becomes a reality soon.

As EQ mentioned, once these projects become a reality, MEMU circular services can be operated in Kollam - Kottarakkara - Chengannur section and Kollam - Kottarakkara - Trivandrum sections as both are equi-distant from Kollam city.

With the commissioning & subesequent commencement of operations of the Quilon Port, a new logistics hub is being developed. There is a shift in cargo movement. If Maldives require Coir Products, it has to come from Alappuzha, Chirayinkil & Thiruvallom/Kovalam. Cargo movement will be easier, if the TS Canal is revived. Otherwise the pressure on the NH 47 would be increasing. Please post the thoughts.

If there is a shift in cargo movement through Tuticorin, then the Tuticorin-Tirunelveli-Shencottah-Quilon and Tuticorin-Nagercoil-Trivandrum-Quilon roads would be overcrowded. I accept the fact that Maldives is a closed market and the chances of expanding beyond its capacity is very much limited. We will very soon reach this threshold limit too. However, if there happens to be more cargo movement to other places, say for example - export of Tins (The cashew industry has paved the way for the establishment of few tin / box manufacturing units in Kollam District) shall be finding a good possibility.

Maldives has a good fish / marine wealth (may be our Trawlers from Neendakara/Sakhthikulanga entering this zone). If these are brought to Quilon, the trade between the countries would develop further. Also, as is understood from my friends over there in Male, those people waste a lot of Coconut. If this valuable resource is available at cheap cost, the raw coconuts has to be brought to Quilon in the returning ships. May be we can develop the vegetable oil industry.

It is understood from the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maldives that islands are available on lease basis for agriculture development. Our investors and agrocrats should think about undertaking these un-inhabited islands. The Arabs go to Tanzania & other African countries and invest in farming sector. We should think about this. There are plenty of aids under FAO packages. Yes we should change. We must go beyond Tirunelveli and Pollachi to invest on farms.

With the commissioning & subesequent commencement of operations of the Quilon Port, a new logistics hub is being developed. There is a shift in cargo movement. If Maldives require Coir Products, it has to come from Alappuzha, Chirayinkil & Thiruvallom/Kovalam. Cargo movement will be easier, if the TS Canal is revived. Otherwise the pressure on the NH 47 would be increasing. Please post the thoughts.

If there is a shift in cargo movement through Tuticorin, then the Tuticorin-Tirunelveli-Shencottah-Quilon and Tuticorin-Nagercoil-Trivandrum-Quilon roads would be overcrowded. I accept the fact that Maldives is a closed market and the chances of expanding beyond its capacity is very much limited. We will very soon reach this threshold limit too. However, if there happens to be more cargo movement to other places, say for example - export of Tins (The cashew industry has paved the way for the establishment of few tin / box manufacturing units in Kollam District) shall be finding a good possibility.

Maldives has a good fish / marine wealth (may be our Trawlers from Neendakara/Sakhthikulanga entering this zone). If these are brought to Quilon, the trade between the countries would develop further. Also, as is understood from my friends over there in Male, those people waste a lot of Coconut. If this valuable resource is available at cheap cost, the raw coconuts has to be brought to Quilon in the returning ships. May be we can develop the vegetable oil industry.

It is understood from the website of the Ministry of Agriculture, Maldives that islands are available on lease basis for agriculture development. Our investors and agrocrats should think about undertaking these un-inhabited islands. The Arabs go to Tanzania & other African countries and invest in farming sector. We should think about this. There are plenty of aids under FAO packages. Yes we should change. We must go beyond Tirunelveli and Pollachi to invest on farms.

Great thoughts. I think the Kollam Port can be very well utilized for this purpose. Moreover the distance between the Kollam Cargo Port and the Neendakara - Shakthikulangara Twin harbour is mere 6 to 7 Kms. The proposed maritime institute and LPG Terminal will pave way for the Neendakara port development. Both Kollam and Neendakara port will complement each other. LPG can be brought to Kollam Cargo port and load into barges to send it to Neendakara port rather thn unloading it into the barges when the ship anchors several kilometres away from Neendakara port and then send it to the port.

Coir industry is a flousrishing industry in Kollam district as well especailly at Proakkulam , Mangad and Kandachira.

Kollam port will be a great success if the mineral, coir, cashew, clay, metal, sand, marine and backwater products which are in ubandance here are exported to foreign countires.

There is no doubt about the potential..but there are problems like labour issues, fight between shipping agents and lack of infrastrucutre.

But one thing is certain... the Kollam public truly appreciated and loved the first ship that docked at Kollam port. On Sunday an overwhelming crowd flood towards the Kollam Port and the authorities had to charge fees to control the public. They were charging Rs. 5 per person to see the ship.

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:banana::cheers::banana:

Great thoughts. I think the Kollam Port can be very well utilized for this purpose. Moreover the distance between the Kollam Cargo Port and the Neendakara - Shakthikulangara Twin harbour is mere 6 to 7 Kms. The proposed maritime institute and LPG Terminal will pave way for the Neendakara port development. Both Kollam and Neendakara port will complement each other. LPG can be brought to Kollam Cargo port and load into barges to send it to Neendakara port rather thn unloading it into the barges when the ship anchors several kilometres away from Neendakara port and then send it to the port.

Coir industry is a flousrishing industry in Kollam district as well especailly at Proakkulam , Mangad and Kandachira.

Kollam port will be a great success if the mineral, coir, cashew, clay, metal, sand, marine and backwater products which are in ubandance here are exported to foreign countires.

There is no doubt about the potential..but there are problems like labour issues, fight between shipping agents and lack of infrastrucutre.

But one thing is certain... the Kollam public truly appreciated and loved the first ship that docked at Kollam port. On Sunday an overwhelming crowd flood towards the Kollam Port and the authorities had to charge fees to control the public. They were charging Rs. 5 per person to see the ship.

Yes. I have seen this activity at Ashtamudi.
But all our backwaters are being polluted a lot by this industry.
Hydrogen Sulhpide generation !!

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:banana::cheers::banana:

Why cannot we have private ports like that in Gujarat which has the largest number of ports in India. The state of Gujarat is forging leaps and bounds as far as industrialization and development due to this.

Apart form the Kollam Cargo Port, in Kollam itself we have Neendakara Port and the Shakthikulangara harbour region which can developed into full fledged ports with the help of private partnerships.

"The private ports in Gujarat are making waves. Reports have it that Mundra port recently emerged as the country’s first port to receive hi-cube (9’6”) double-stack container train. As many as 180 TEUs were loaded in one rake at Kisangarh inland container depot of Adani Logistics Ltd for transportation to the port. With this, it is claimed, India becomes the third country in the world, after Canada and America, to start commercial operations of trains load ed with hi-cube ISO containers."

Quotes from Business Line

The only relief for Kollam in the railway budget is the 5.5 crore allocation for the MEMU termianal base and Maintenance shed. But there was no mention about the Heavy maintenance shed which was mooted for Kollam due to the availability of space here. The 5.5 crore is a very less amount for a project like MEMU which is expected to get completed by next year.

Also, the commissioning of the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion will happen only by Fenruary 2010, though there were rumours that it may be inaugrated before Onam this year.

Erumeli - Punalur - Trivandrum line survey which is passing through Kollam is a good sign. It will help railways to start circular trains between Kollam and Trivandrum. The passenger and MEMU trains can ply through circular route:

Kollam City - Kundara - Kottarakkara - Punalur - Anchal - Kilimanoor - Nedumangad - Trivandrum City - Varkala - Paravur - Kollam City.

This will bring the cities more close and realize the Twin city concept in the true sense. But the MEMU should be extended to the new route with electrification.

But we have to wait and see how much protest and undercurrents happen to undermine these projects by the vested interests. The Kottayam - Erumeli line and Chengannur - Kottarakkara lines are not heard nowadays which were also mentioned in some of the previous years budgets.

http://i39.tinypic.com/34f06qf.jpg

The only relief for Kollam in the railway budget is the 5.5 crore allocation for the MEMU termianal base and Maintenance shed. But there was no mention about the Heavy maintenance shed which was mooted for Kollam due to the availability of space here. The 5.5 crore is a very less amount for a project like MEMU which is expected to get completed by next year.

Also, the commissioning of the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion will happen only by Fenruary 2010, though there were rumours that it may be inaugrated before Onam this year.

Erumeli - Punalur - Trivandrum line survey which is passing through Kollam is a good sign. It will help railways to start circular trains between Kollam and Trivandrum. The passenger and MEMU trains can ply through circular route:

Kollam City - Kundara - Kottarakkara - Punalur - Anchal - Kilimanoor - Nedumangad - Trivandrum City - Varkala - Paravur - Kollam City.

This will bring the cities more close and realize the Twin city concept in the true sense. But the MEMU should be extended to the new route with electrification.

But we have to wait and see how much protest and undercurrents happen to undermine these projects by the vested interests. The Kottayam - Erumeli line and Chengannur - Kottarakkara lines are not heard nowadays which were also mentioned in some of the previous years budgets.

http://i39.tinypic.com/34f06qf.jpg

Any idea about the alignment between Punalur & Trivandrum?
Or it can be told only after the survery?

From Punalur, two or three options are there to reach Trivandrum.

1. Punalur - Anchal - Kulathupuzha - Nedumangad - Trivandrum (more of a
hilly tract)

2. Punalur - Anchal - Ayur - Kilimanoor - Venjaramood - Trivandrum.

3. Another route, mostly a greenfield zone, passing in between the above 2
routes.

4. Still another option is that the second line can be re-routed at
Kilimanoor or Venjaramood to Palode and to Trivandrum via Nedumangad.


Anyhow let us wait. Whatever be the case, the Punalur - Trivandrum route shall boost the hill produce sector of South Kerala.

Any idea about the alignment between Punalur & Trivandrum?Or it can be told only after the survery?

Anyhow let us wait. Whatever be the case, the Punalur - Trivandrum route shall boost the hill produce sector of South Kerala.

Guys, don't go overestimated on Railways proposals, they always giving proposals for new lines. almost as a surprise gifts.

but nothing happens next.
there was propsals for Angamaly - Sabari, Edappally - Guruvayoor, Guruvayoor - Kuttippuram and Kozhikode - Angadippuram.
in the previous budgets, and we all know surveys about Nilambur Nanjangud, & Thalassery - Mysore.


these are only "kannil podiyidanulla paripadies"
becos There is not much fund needed for proposals!!!!!!

Guys, don't go overestimated on Railways proposals, they always giving proposals for new lines. almost as a surprise gifts.

but nothing happens next.
there was propsals for Angamaly - Sabari, Edappally - Guruvayoor, Guruvayoor - Kuttippuram and Kozhikode - Angadippuram.
in the previous budgets, and we all know surveys about Nilambur Nanjangud, & Thalassery - Mysore.


these are only "kannil podiyidanulla paripadies"
becos There is not much fund needed for proposals!!!!!!

i go with simpliCITY...all these are mere suggestions by the railways and will take decades to materialise

i go with simpliCITY...all these are mere suggestions by the railways and will take decades to materialise

I agree.

But shouldn't we have the right to dream what our great grand children will enjoy one day?

I agree.

But shouldn't we have the right to dream what our great grand children will enjoy one day?

It is not just about of dreaming. It is a combined effort of the elected representatives and the public and passionate people like us which make these dreams materialize.

Our former president Abdul Kalam quoted once "Dreaming low is a crime. Always dream big".

I WISH ALL THE POLITICIANS AND LOBBYS STOP THEIR CHEAP GAMES AND WORK UNITED TOWARDS DEVELOPMENT

Any idea about the alignment between Punalur & Trivandrum?
Or it can be told only after the survery?

From Punalur, two or three options are there to reach Trivandrum.

1. Punalur - Anchal - Kulathupuzha - Nedumangad - Trivandrum (more of a
hilly tract)

2. Punalur - Anchal - Ayur - Kilimanoor - Venjaramood - Trivandrum.

3. Another route, mostly a greenfield zone, passing in between the above 2
routes.

4. Still another option is that the second line can be re-routed at
Kilimanoor or Venjaramood to Palode and to Trivandrum via Nedumangad.


Anyhow let us wait. Whatever be the case, the Punalur - Trivandrum route shall boost the hill produce sector of South Kerala.

Will these lines meet the Trivandrum central directly or join somewhere at Kazhakootam or Kaniyapuram? It will be difficult to have a direct link route to Trivandrum central to make it a junction, I guess. It would be easier to make Kochuveli a junction, rather, as the line passess through less dense areas.

Our former president Abdul Karim quoted once "Dreaming low is a crime. Always dream big".[/QUOTE]


Former president Abdul Karim:?

It is not just about of dreaming. It is a combined effort of the elected representatives and the public and passionate people like us which make these dreams materialize.

Our former president Abdul Karim quoted once "Dreaming low is a crime. Always dream big".

This folly cannot be condoned

Our former president Abdul Karim quoted once "Dreaming low is a crime. Always dream big".


Former president Abdul Karim:?[/QUOTE]

That was purely a printer's devil. With due respect to the greatest president that India has ever seen, I apologize for that big mistake.

Will these lines meet the Trivandrum central directly or join somewhere at Kazhakootam or Kaniyapuram? It will be difficult to have a direct link route to Trivandrum central to make it a junction, I guess. It would be easier to make Kochuveli a junction, rather, as the line passess through less dense areas.


May be the railway line from Nedumangad can reach Nemom via Aruvikkara, Cheriyakonni, Vilappilsala, Peyad, Marukil & Malayam
and from Nemom, it can be extended upto Vizhinjam.

Former president Abdul Karim:?

That was purely a printer's devil. With due respect to the greatest president that India has ever seen, I apologize for that big mistake.[/QUOTE]

Anyhow, Reghu conveyed the message.
Murali Dharan aayalum Murali Kirshnan aayalum ellam onnu thanne.

Thanks for being a watchdog !!!
Reghu will be more careful while filling up applications and issuing certificates.

It is not just about of dreaming. It is a combined effort of the elected representatives and the public and passionate people like us which make these dreams materialize.

Our former president Abdul Kalam quoted once "Dreaming low is a crime. Always dream big".

Dreaming is not a sin, ofcource.
you should look to the skyes
but man your feet should be in the ground solid as a rock.
other wise a small wind could fell you down.!! falling from the height will hurt more.
so
live in the real world, dream with real world. !!

I think we should get the doubling of railway lines complete first. This has been going on for some 15 or more years since the work has started

It could be dreamt off, but I don't think the Erumeli-Punalur-TVM line would have enough traffic demand and economic feasibility. That money could be used for putting dedicated lines for EMU's so that we can stop thinking about MEMU's.

I think we should get the doubling of railway lines complete first. This has been going on for some 15 or more years since the work has started

It could be dreamt off, but I don't think the Erumeli-Punalur-TVM line would have enough traffic demand and economic feasibility. That money could be used for putting dedicated lines for EMU's so that we can stop thinking about MEMU's.

priority for doubling and electrification , then attention to other projects..the whole line from kanya kumari to mangalore via allapuzha/kottayam has to be electrified and doubled first

I think we should get the doubling of railway lines complete first. This has been going on for some 15 or more years since the work has started

It could be dreamt off, but I don't think the Erumeli-Punalur-TVM line would have enough traffic demand and economic feasibility. That money could be used for putting dedicated lines for EMU's so that we can stop thinking about MEMU's.

True Sudheesh. It is a better idea to have dedicated lines for EMU's rather than having the MEMUs running over the exisiting main lines to make it more congested for the long distance trains leading to late arrivals.

I think we should get the doubling of railway lines complete first. This has been going on for some 15 or more years since the work has started

It could be dreamt off, but I don't think the Erumeli-Punalur-TVM line would have enough traffic demand and economic feasibility. That money could be used for putting dedicated lines for EMU's so that we can stop thinking about MEMU's.

The idea could be to link the 2 Sabari lines to have another north-south corridor.

Call to set up coach overhaul facility

Need to start MEMU operations stressed


The State government has called upon the Railways to take steps to set up an operating centre for trains and wagon repair/overhaul workshop at Nemom.

A ‘wish list’ prepared by the government recently had pointed out that 12.14 hectares of land is available with the Railways, near the Nemom railway station on the Thiruvananthapuram-Nagercoil-Kanyakumari line.

As many as 1,600 railway coaches are attached to the Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station. These coaches are to be taken for overhaul, once a year, to Chennai. On an average, 130 coaches are taken for overhaul every month. There is considerable delay in getting back the coaches.

The State government had pointed out that it will be highly economical and convenient if the Railways could set up a workshop at Nemom with a minimum capacity to overhaul 100 coaches a month. Moreover, the operating centre will reduce the congestion at the Central Station here and trains bound for Ernakulam can commence from Nemom.

The government had also pointed out the need for commencing Main Line Electrical Multiple Units (MEMU) connecting major towns in the State to ease the congestion on the roads and for the benefit of short-distance commuters.

The stretches proposed for commencing MEMU include Neyyattinkara-Kollam, Kollam-Kottayam, Kollam-Alappuzha, Alappuzha- Ernakulam, Ernakulam-Thrissur and Thirssur- Palakkad.

It had been pointed out that only Rs.7 crore was provided in the Railway budget 2007-08 for setting up inspection and stabling facilities for MEMU units in Kollam.

On the gauge conversion front, it had been pointed out that the work on the Kollam-Punalur section was in an advanced stage. The government had also laid stress on the need to expedite the work. The work was expected to be over in June. It is now clear that it would take at east six more months.

The Punalur-Shencottai section, which is the leftover portion in the Madurai route, should also be taken up on a priority basis, the ‘wish list’ said. It is an important link from Southern Kerala to Central Tamil Nadu, it said.

This is an interesting point. Kerala has long been touted as being poised to become the largest urban formation in India.

Whether we like it or not, the rural areas of kerala, except in the difficult hilly terrains like wayanad, is getting urbanised at a rapid pace. While this may take 25-30 years to be fully evident, we have to think ahead to tackle the challenges that this urban agglomoration can put forward-especially in transportation.

Considering the high population density,lesser land area and rapid urbanisation, Kerala badly needs a rail based rather than road based development. An efficient, well networked and state of art, high speed rail system should become the backbone of transportation in the state, in addition to the road and waterways proposed. The time has come to think of a "Kerala Metro Rail" network. Only that can transform Kerala into the unique green metropolis that we are all dreaming of.

But for such a Metro rail network to materialise, we will have to redifine the very concept and scope of rail based transportation in India. Really a long way to go, considering the present attitude of the boffins at Delhi who still prefers to see things in a regimented, centralised fashion.

This is an interesting point. Kerala has long been touted as being poised to become the largest urban formation in India.

Whether we like it or not, the rural areas of kerala, except in the difficult hilly terrains like wayanad, is getting urbanised at a rapid pace. While this may take 25-30 years to be fully evident, we have to think ahead to tackle the challenges that this urban agglomoration can put forward-especially in transportation.

Considering the high population density,lesser land area and rapid urbanisation, Kerala badly needs a rail based rather than road based development. An efficient, well networked and state of art, high speed rail system should become the backbone of transportation in the state, in addition to the road and waterways proposed. The time has come to think of a "Kerala Metro Rail" network. Only that can transform Kerala into the unique green metropolis that we are all dreaming of.

But for such a Metro rail network to materialise, we will have to redifine the very concept and scope of rail based transportation in India. Really a long way to go, considering the present attitude of the boffins at Delhi who still prefers to see things in a regimented, centralised fashion.

Absolutely true, yaar. A faster "Kerala Metro Rail" network is a great idea for Kerala;s transportation need. The Metro railway network that is planned in southern Kerala with Kollam as the base and in central Kerala with Palaghat as a base will be the begining in this regard. Since south Kerala is more dense regarding population it is initiated in the Nagercovil - Ernakulam stretch first

It should be covered to entire Kerala in futute with dedicated MEMU lines.

The maintenance shed for operating the suburban Mainline Electric Multiple Unit (MEMU) train services will coming up in Kollam at a cost of Rs.7 crore and will be commissioned in May next year, according to General Manager of Southern Railway M. S. Jayanth.

A sum of Rs.5.52 crore had been allocated in the current year’s Railway Budget for the facilities coming up near the Kollam railway station.

According to the General Manager, the MEMU can meet the growing commuter requirements, especially the short-distance commuters, of the State. The MEMU has fast acceleration 90 to 60 km per hour in 40 seconds), better breaking capability with electric pneumatic brakes compared to the normal conventional coaches.

Besides, the carrying capacity of the MEMU is three times more as compared to normal conventional coaches. MEMU trains of nine cars can carry 3,000 passengers at a time and seating will be as in suburban trains that are plying in Chennai and Mumbai.

The gauge conversion between Kollam and Punalur will also be commissioned during 2009-10.

Originally Posted by sudheeshnairs View Post
I think we should get the doubling of railway lines complete first. This has been going on for some 15 or more years since the work has started

It could be dreamt off, but I don't think the Erumeli-Punalur-TVM line would have enough traffic demand and economic feasibility. That money could be used for putting dedicated lines for EMU's so that we can stop thinking about MEMU's.

True Sudheesh. It is a better idea to have dedicated lines for EMU's rather than having the MEMUs running over the exisiting main lines to make it more congested for the long distance trains leading to late arrivals.

I fully support dedicated EMU double line between Kollam and Tvm similar to the four tracks operational in Chennai-Arakonam(70km) sector. Railways and state govt. need to work together to get this done but there are no signs till date. I think TDF may forward suggestion of dedicated EMU lines between Neyattinkara and Kollam for future so that procedures for sanction atleast may begin.:)

As for Erumeli-Pathanamthitta-Punalur-Tvm new line, the final push came from the new Pathanamthitta MP Shri Anto Antony, who met Smt. Sonia'ji and Smt. Mamta'ji before railway budget with a long pending request to connect the district HQ Pathanamthitta and Tvm via Punalur, by the shortest route. This rail line was added to the already proposed Sabari line from Erumeli for survey, thereby a continuous north-south rail corridor.

There is also a demand pending from Nedumangad and Palode to have rail connection for decades. Hence, Punalur-Anchal-Kulathupuzha-Palode-Nedumangad-Aruvikara-Kachani-Peyad-Nemom line may be thought of connecting to the new Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam line and TVC from Nemom.

I fully support dedicated EMU double line between Kollam and Tvm similar to the four tracks operational in Chennai-Arakonam(70km) sector. Railways and state govt. need to work together to get this done but there are no signs till date. I think TDF may forward suggestion of dedicated EMU lines between Neyattinkara and Kollam for future so that procedures for sanction atleast may begin.:)

As for Erumeli-Pathanamthitta-Punalur-Tvm new line, the final push came from the new Pathanamthitta MP Shri Anto Antony, who met Smt. Sonia'ji and Smt. Mamta'ji before railway budget with a long pending request to connect the district HQ Pathanamthitta and Tvm via Punalur, by the shortest route. This rail line was added to the already proposed Sabari line from Erumeli for survey, thereby a continuous north-south rail corridor.

There is also a demand pending from Nedumangad and Palode to have rail connection for decades. Hence, Punalur-Anchal-Kulathupuzha-Palode-Nedumangad-Aruvikara-Kachani-Peyad-Nemom line may be thought of connecting to the new Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam line and TVC from Nemom.

Erumeli - Pathanamthitta - Punalur-Anchal-Kulathupuzha-Palode-Nedumangad-Aruvikara-Kachani-Peyad-Nemom line is very important for the overall development and travel needs of the eastern parts of Kollam Pathanamthitta and Trivandrum districts. Moreover this line will make a circular line between Kollam and Trivandrum. Since the Twin city concept is more relevant in future, probably circular services can be thought of if all the mentioned projects materializes.

Erumeli - Pathanamthitta - Punalur-Anchal-Kulathupuzha-Palode-Nedumangad-Aruvikara-Kachani-Peyad-Nemom line is very important for the overall development and travel needs of the eastern parts of Kollam Pathanamthitta and Trivandrum districts. Moreover this line will make a circular line between Kollam and Trivandrum. Since the Twin city concept is more relevant in future, probably circular services can be thought of if all the mentioned projects materializes.

Yes, in addition the new line provides connectivity to Idukki (Thodupuzha) & Pathanamthitta from Tvm and other parts of the country. Thus, regular passenger traffic may be expected in the trains plying these routes. Freight traffic from vizhinjam port once it materialises may be alternatively routed through this line in addition to the already congested present rail line. The produces from the eastern regions of the state may be now transported through this line, thereby overall good economic viability.

Originally posted by EQ in Kollam thread......thought it is relevant to this thread too.....


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Distractive advertisement hoardings will make way for more traffic signboards along the 70 kilometre- long Kovalam-Kollam stretch of National Highway- 47 with the busy artery all set to be declared a `Model Road.’ In order to ensure that the road remains a model one, every 2 km of the stretch will have a police officer responsible for road safety. The Government has sanctioned around Rs 3 crore for putting up signboards and other road safety mechanisms along this stretch.

A task force constituted by the State Government for the purpose pointed out that certain advertisements boards and hoardings put up by commercial organisations and political parties along the stretch are distracting drivers, which is one major reason for accidents.

Based on the recommendation of the task force, steps are being taken by the Government to remove all such hoardings by invoking various provisions in the Motor Vehicles Act and Kerala Highway Protection Act.

The task force headed by IG Thiruvananthapuramrange A.Hemachandran also suggested that the number of High way Patrol s in charge of the stretch may be increased from three to four. Altogether, there would be 36 police personnel in the four Highway Patrols and each one of them are being given charge of about two kilometres of the road stretch. Designated as Road Safety Officers (RSO), they would be responsible for ensuring that all road safety mechanisms along the stretch assigned to them function effectively. The RSO may also constitute a ten-member Road Safety Group with people from the locality for the purpose.

The task force had identified 11 insuf ficiently-lit spots along the stretch. The Government has directed the KSEB to install sufficient streetlights at these points.

The Public Works Department has been directed to install bumps on all sideroads of the National Highway between Kovalam and Kollam.

The other measures being taken to make the stretch a model road include clearing up of vegetation on the margins of the the road and conducting traffic awareness programmes at various levels.

Pointing out that the enforce - ment of traffic rules by the police often leads to traffic obstruction and other problems, the task force recommends installation of speed radars and surveillance cameras along the stretch in due course.

The Government is also learnt to have sanctioned Rs 1 crore for installing surveillance cameras at 14 spots along the 70-km stretch. Delay in getting medical attention had led to deaths of several accident victims along the stretch. In order to tackle this, the task force recommended that the service of drivers of autorickshaws and taxis which ply along the National Highway should be utilised for addressing the issue.

Dr Mahesh Chand of NATPAC, Deputy Transport Commissioner Alex Paul and Executive Engineers George C. Varghese and Koshy John of Public Works Department are other members in the task force.

Originally posted by EQ in Kollam thread......thought it is relevant to this thread too.....


THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Distractive advertisement hoardings will make way for more traffic signboards along the 70 kilometre- long Kovalam-Kollam stretch of National Highway- 47 with the busy artery all set to be declared a `Model Road.’ In order to ensure that the road remains a model one, every 2 km of the stretch will have a police officer responsible for road safety. The Government has sanctioned around Rs 3 crore for putting up signboards and other road safety mechanisms along this stretch.

A task force constituted by the State Government for the purpose pointed out that certain advertisements boards and hoardings put up by commercial organisations and political parties along the stretch are distracting drivers, which is one major reason for accidents.

Based on the recommendation of the task force, steps are being taken by the Government to remove all such hoardings by invoking various provisions in the Motor Vehicles Act and Kerala Highway Protection Act.

The task force headed by IG Thiruvananthapuramrange A.Hemachandran also suggested that the number of High way Patrol s in charge of the stretch may be increased from three to four. Altogether, there would be 36 police personnel in the four Highway Patrols and each one of them are being given charge of about two kilometres of the road stretch. Designated as Road Safety Officers (RSO), they would be responsible for ensuring that all road safety mechanisms along the stretch assigned to them function effectively. The RSO may also constitute a ten-member Road Safety Group with people from the locality for the purpose.

The task force had identified 11 insuf ficiently-lit spots along the stretch. The Government has directed the KSEB to install sufficient streetlights at these points.

The Public Works Department has been directed to install bumps on all sideroads of the National Highway between Kovalam and Kollam.

The other measures being taken to make the stretch a model road include clearing up of vegetation on the margins of the the road and conducting traffic awareness programmes at various levels.

Pointing out that the enforce - ment of traffic rules by the police often leads to traffic obstruction and other problems, the task force recommends installation of speed radars and surveillance cameras along the stretch in due course.

The Government is also learnt to have sanctioned Rs 1 crore for installing surveillance cameras at 14 spots along the 70-km stretch. Delay in getting medical attention had led to deaths of several accident victims along the stretch. In order to tackle this, the task force recommended that the service of drivers of autorickshaws and taxis which ply along the National Highway should be utilised for addressing the issue.

Dr Mahesh Chand of NATPAC, Deputy Transport Commissioner Alex Paul and Executive Engineers George C. Varghese and Koshy John of Public Works Department are other members in the task force.

Yes, the news is relevant in this thread. This road should be widened to 6 lane like that the Hosur Road in Bangalore. This will make the two cities closer. Morover, it will take hardly 1 hour to reach Trivandrum airport if the road has been elevated to this standard. Also, the model road will be a great boost for tourism in both the districts. The road will connect the tourist destination of Kovalam Beach, Akkulam Lake, Varkala Beach, Paravoor Lake, Ashtamudi lake and Thirumullavaram Beach destinations

Nice thought from the goverment.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2010020961020300.htm&date=2010/02/09/&prd=th&

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2010020961020300.htm&date=2010/02/09/&prd=th&

Any update regarding the model road work progress and the NH-47 4-laning. There are news that the authorities are facing stiff opposition from the people against the current road alignment and about the 45m width.

KOLLAM: Ginger-flavoured black coffee and water will be offered to vehicle drivers from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. on the National Highway at Mylakkad Junction by the police.

The gesture is part of a move by the police to bring down the accident rate along the Kollam-Kovalam stretch of the National Highway.

http://www.hinduonnet.com/thehindu/thscrip/print.pl?file=2010020961020300.htm&date=2010/02/09/&prd=th&

Navjot, any latest information about the enhnacement work of Kollam - Kovalam model road? It seems the BOT idea of the NH 4-laning may not happen due to the protests at various places in the Chethala - Kollam - Kazhakootum stretch.

cAN ANYONE TELL ME WHAT IS HAPPENONG TO THE THEERADASHAN ROAD PROPOSED VIA ERAVIPURAM PLEASE??????????:bash::bash:

KOLLAM: The Railway Passengers Association has called for immediate introduction of the mainline electric multiple unit (MEMU) services from Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam.

In a statement, RPA president S. Ulhaskumar said the service would immensely benefit short distance passengers.

There were expectations that the MEMU services between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam would be announced in this year's railway budget since it was one sector where commuters endured much difficulties. But the sector was ignored and instead MEMU services were limited between Kollam and Ernakulam.

Since the bus fares are high, hundreds of commuters will benefit if the MEMU services are operated between Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad, Mr. Ulhaskumar said.

KOLLAM: Ginger-flavoured black coffee and water will be offered to vehicle drivers from 1 a.m. to 4 a.m. on the National Highway at Mylakkad Junction by the police.

The gesture is part of a move by the police to bring down the accident rate along the Kollam-Kovalam stretch of the National Highway.

Convex Mirror is installed at Ithikkara curve in the NH-47 Kollam - Kovalam stretch to bring down the accident rates. This is part of installing the mirrors at all the curves in the Kollam - Kovalam stretch which may bring down the number of accident rates.

http://i42.tinypic.com/2zsnxqh.jpg

The efforts being taken by the police to reduce accidents along the Thiruvananthapuram - Kollam stretch seem to be bearing fruit, as the statistics show a decline in the number of fatal accidents.

If 46 persons were killed in 42 accidents along the National Highway from Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam during the first quarter of 2009, the figures came down to 28 and 25 respectively during the corresponding period this year, according to the statistics available with the police.

The 70-kilometre stretch was declared as a model safety road on February 10 after adopting various safety measures.

In the Thiruvananthapuram city limits of the stretch, nine persons were killed in eight fatal accidents during the first quarter of last year, whereas, this year, the number of fatal accidents came down to four, claiming five lives.

Similarly, in Thiruvananthapuram rural limits, 13 accidents occurred during the first quarter of this year claiming 15 lives. The corresponding figures for the previous year were 22 and 25.

For Kollam, the numbers are, eight accidents claiming eight lives during this year, as against 12 accidents claiming 12 lives during last year.

‘‘The figures reflect the results of the measures taken to make the stretch a model road. We have been able to create awareness among the motorists through campaigns against rash and negligent driving, which has been a major cause of accidents,’’ said IG Thiruvananthapuram Range A. Hemachandran, who headed a task force for making the stretch a model safety road.

The use of helmets by two-wheeler riders along the stretch has also increased by 60 to 70 percent as a result of the strict enforcement and awareness.

All illegal and distracting advertisements boards along the stretch as well as thick vegetation that blocked the view of drivers, especially at curves, were removed as part of the model road project. The police, in association with local outfits, are also providing refreshments to drivers at two spots during the wee hours. As many as 40 policemen, including the Kerala Home Guards personnel, have been deployed along the stretch.

The Police Department is also conducting training programmes on ‘How to prevent accidents?’ to autorickshaw and taxi drivers.

Hi guys these ideas is good. But these remain only idea what activities are their to implement these ?

Hi guys these ideas is good. But these remain only idea what activities are their to implement these ?

Sankar, are you talking about the road safety ideas on the Kollam - Kovalam stretch or about the Kollam - Trivandrum twin city idea?

If it is regarding the road safety measures, I think there is lot of improvement including spead breakers and policement at the speed breakers to check whether vehicles are violating the rules or not. But we need more development regarding the roads especially widening and medians.

Regarding the twin city concept, I do not think there is any intrest from the politicians or people of the big brother city to make Kollam an important neighbouring city. There should be enough development to take place like that of Thane, Gurgaon, Nodia etc. I think the good example in Kerala is Trichur. Trichur is getting good attention and development as it is the neighbouring city of Cochin. The development of Cochin is infact benefitting Trichur almost equally like that of Cochin. Moreover, the investment in Cochin really impacts Trichur in form of real estate growth, business potential and other developments.

Though Kollam is relatively nearer to Trivandrum compared to Trichur from Cochin by rail or road, the impact of Trivandrum's growth is not seen in Kollam.(Rail: Kollam - 65 Kms from Trivandrum, Rail:Trichur - around 75 Kms from Cochin)

People working in Cochin are looking at places in Trichur City to settle down because of better infrastructure in Trichur and due to space crunch at Cochin. The MEMU services from Cochin to Trichur will boost this phenomenon.

Probably, the land availability and price in Trivandrum may not be high as in Cochin, I am not sure and this is not for any argument. But, the MEMU services from Kollam to Trivandrum may boost the real estate activities and inturn more development in Kollam.

But the fact is there is no initiatives from the politicians or admistrators to think of this idea to make Kollam flourishing neighbouring city of Trivandrum. This will be imperative in future as the land availabilty and prices in the city regions is going high.

The neighbouring cities or towns of Mumbai, New Delhi, Chennai, Bangalore or even Cochin (Trichur) is developing fast. I think authorities and politicians should think of Trivandrum's neighbouring brother's development as it will benefit Trivandrum in future as Trivandrum lies at the extreme end of Kerala. The growth is possible only to the north side.

It will be great if you could take my inputs in a constructive way intead of any baits for argument. We need good proposals rather than destructive argument.

Visit these links for discussion regarding Kollam district:

Kollam (Quilon) Cityscapes/Projects (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=282708&page=113)

Kollam Cargo Port (Thankasseri Port) & Neendakara Port (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=909246&page=7)

Kollam Technopark | U/C (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=905934&page=6")

KOLLAM - The Gateway of back water tourism (http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=754306&page=26)

Hi Reghu Its regarding Twin City kollam & Trivandrum I used to have these dreams and I love my home town Kollam a lot but unfortunately I haven't seen any real growth until now any development here is very less compared to any other cities our own politicians is not interested. For that matter I bluntly say until now the curse of Kollam is that it is lying near Capital (not against Trivandrum only mean the importance of Capital). I am saying these not to argue or discourage we need an action plan someone to push the politician for meeting our dreams.

Hi Reghu Its regarding Twin City kollam & Trivandrum I used to have these dreams and I love my home town Kollam a lot but unfortunately I haven't seen any real growth until now any development here is very less compared to any other cities our own politicians is not interested. For that matter I bluntly say until now the curse of Kollam is that it is lying near Capital (not against Trivandrum only mean the importance of Capital). I am saying these not to argue or discourage we need an action plan someone to push the politician for meeting our dreams.

You are correct, Sankar. Kollam has not received the real development it is supposed to receive due to the proximity to Trivandrum. There might be various reasons for that. If you look at cities like Trichur the neighbour of Cochin or even the neighbouring cities like Noida and Guragoan of Delhi and Thane of Mumbai, Hosur near to Bangalore we can see the development towards the sister cities.

It means the development of the big cities had a direct implication to the nearby cities growth. The prime reason may be land cost and land availabity of these cities. I think Trichur ius getting this benefit as Cochin land price is very high and the availabilty of land is very less in the outskirts of the city.

Devanahally, is a classical example in case of Bangalore. Karnataka Govt is investing 1 lakh crores of rupees to develop this rural area to a big sibling city to decongest Bangalore. Devanahally is at an average of 45 to 50 Kms from the heart of Bangalore city. It is almost the same distance of 65 Kms from the major IT centres like Electronics City and ITPL.

Kollam should have got this advantage, but not sure why the impact of development at Trivandrum does not have a visible change in the city's change or cosmetic difference.

Kollam located near to the capital city should have received more infrastructural developments like that of Noida, Gurugon, Thane etc. But this is not the case right now. I think our capital city has to grow outwards with scattered developments having better planning else it would very much congested and pollutted.

http://technopark.org/cache/images/stories/676-kollam_main%20image.jpg

VS to open Kollam Technopark:)

Staff Reporter

KOLLAM: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan will inaugurate the Kollam Technopark located at Kundara near here on Tuesday.

The former Indian cricket team captain Krishnamachari Srikanth will be the special guest at the function.

Education Minister M.A. Baby will preside over the function.

The Kollam Technopark stands on 40 acres on the banks of the Ashtamudi lake. It will initially offer 1,00,000 square feet (sq.ft.) of space with plug-and-play facilities at the park.

Technopark Chief Executive Officer (CEO) Mervin Alexander said the project, on completion, will have a built-up area of 2 million sq.ft. and will provide employment to around 10,000 professionals.

The Hindu (http://www.hindu.com/2011/02/15/stories/2011021551560700.htm)

* Only about 60 KM is between the Kollam Technopark and Trivandrum Technopark.
*I think Kundara will become the Kazhakoottam (IT corridor of TVPM) of Kollam.:cheers:

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/4963/screenshot3xn.png

Between the two municipal corporations, Attingal and Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district and Paravoor in Kollam district are 3 municipalities very close to each other with significant populations. Also there are numerous towns are in between the two cities, especially in the coastal side. (Paravoor, Kottiyam, Kalluvathukkal, Paripally, Kallambalam, Chirayinkil, Kadakkavoor, Varkala, Attingal, Kaniyapuram, Mangalapuram, Kazhakoottam..etc are some of the major towns among them.)

Since the two cities are very close to the coastal side, road development a in the coastal side would be more effective.

like, proposed coastal highway or the delayed NH 47 development.

Currently the NH 47 is the only major way to connect both cities and it was with heavy traffic always and the traffic was increasing rapidly every day. It will take more than 1 to 2 or hours to reach both cities because of the traffic. It is so late to widen this part of the NH.

The only way to get easily to the cities is by the railway. A super fast express train will take only 45 minutes.

And a metro rail or at least MEMU service is surely needed in this area.

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/4963/screenshot3xn.png

Between the two municipal corporations, Attingal and Varkala in Thiruvananthapuram district and Punaloor in Kollam district are 3 municipalities very close to each other with significant populations. Also there are numerous towns are in between the two cities, especially in the coastal side. (Punaloor, Kottiyam, Kalluvathukkal, Paripally, Kallambalam, Chirayinkil, Kadakkavoor, Varkala, Attingal, Kaniyapuram, Mangalapuram, Kazhakoottam..etc are some of the major towns among them.)

Since the two cities are very close to the coastal side, road development a in the coastal side would be more effective.

like, proposed coastal highway or the delayed NH 47 development.

Currently the NH 47 is the only major way to connect both cities and it was with heavy traffic always and the traffic was increasing rapidly every day. It will take more than 1 to 2 or hours to reach both cities because of the traffic. It is so late to widen this part of the NH.

The only way to get easily to the cities is by the railway. A super fast express train will take only 45 minutes.

And a metro rail or at least MEMU service is surely needed in this area.

Punalur is not a coastal town instead it is beautiful town located at the Ghats.

I think you meant Paravur. It is small but active town at the southern coast of Kollam.

Kottiyam has almost become a part of Kollam city now though not officially. The 4-lane road leading to the Kollam Techno Park @ Kundara starts from Kottiyam Junction.

The important towns are Chathannoor, Kalluvathukkal, Mayyanad, Paravur and Paripally.

There is a coastal highway from Kollam to Paravur which is always damaged by the tidal waves. But is not very wide. I think the government can widen it and make it part of the proposed coastal highway. There is a coastal road from Maruthadi In Kollam city to Shakthikulangara in the city which is also a narrow one.

I think there should be enough MEMU trains in the Kollam - Trivandrum stretch to reduce the congetion along with DMU trains from Trivandrum to Kollam - Kundara - Punalur BG stretch.

I was born in Punalur:)

Punalur is not a coastal town instead it is beautiful town located at the Ghats.

Yes Reghu i meant Paravur. my mistake..:bash: Thank you for pointing out...^^

I will correct it...


I was born in Punalur:)

ya its a nice town. i visited Anchal which i think is near to Punaloor long ago.

From my home town Attingal, there is direct private buses to Punaloor. Private bus operators always says loudly the detonations the bus goes to attract more passengers and i remember when the Punaloor bus arrives they say the destinations one by one in order. ie, Kallambalam, Navaikulam, Pallickal, Chadayamangalam, Aayoor, Anchal, Punaloor.

^^btw I didn't live in Punalur. My parents were settled in Trivandrum before I was born. Normally ladies go to their parent's home for first delivery and thus I was born there. I would have been shifted to TVM perhaps 2-3 months after my birth..

I used to spend my vacations as a kid divided between Punalur and Kollam, my father's native place.

New impetus to KLM-TVM twin Cities

It is well known that the much awaited MEMU services in the Kolam-Nagarcoil sector is going to take off. This year's budget has aalocated funds for the project. Electrification is almost complete upto Nagarcoil Jn. Now, infrastructure needed to handle extra MEMU rakes is being developed. This include,

1. New MEMU rake shed in Kollam
2. New platforms at all major stations viz. NGCL, Balaramapuram, Nemom, TVC, KCVL, Kazhakuttam, Mangalapuram, Chirayinkeezh, Varkala, Punalur and Kollam is needed
3. Raising of Platform height and length at all minor stations is needed
4. Subways at major stations needed to control flow of MEMU passengers.
5. MEMU rakes of state-of-the-art design should be deployed instead of using old rakes from Chennai/Mumbai MEMU services.
6. Future expansion on the lines of Chennai Metro should be envisioned while planning present MEMU services.
7. All level crossing should be replaced with ROBs or FOBs.

When completed, TVM-KLM section alone will have around 1.5-2 lakh commuters per day and increases at a rate of 30-40% annually upto 2015.

Opening of Vizhinjam port, Technocity, new campus of ISRO(proposed,later) will increase the pax. rate enormously........

New impetus to KLM-TVM twin Cities


When completed, TVM-KLM section alone will have around 1.5-2 lakh commuters per day and increases at a rate of 30-40% annually upto 2015.


Can you please provide the source of this information?

New impetus to KLM-TVM twin Cities

It is well known that the much awaited MEMU services in the Kolam-Nagarcoil sector is going to take off. This year's budget has aalocated funds for the project. Electrification is almost complete upto Nagarcoil Jn. Now, infrastructure needed to handle extra MEMU rakes is being developed. This include,

1. New MEMU rake shed in Kollam
2. New platforms at all major stations viz. NGCL, Balaramapuram, Nemom, TVC, KCVL, Kazhakuttam, Mangalapuram, Chirayinkeezh, Varkala, Punalur and Kollam is needed
3. Raising of Platform height and length at all minor stations is needed
4. Subways at major stations needed to control flow of MEMU passengers.
5. MEMU rakes of state-of-the-art design should be deployed instead of using old rakes from Chennai/Mumbai MEMU services.
6. Future expansion on the lines of Chennai Metro should be envisioned while planning present MEMU services.
7. All level crossing should be replaced with ROBs or FOBs.

When completed, TVM-KLM section alone will have around 1.5-2 lakh commuters per day and increases at a rate of 30-40% annually upto 2015.

Opening of Vizhinjam port, Technocity, new campus of ISRO(proposed,later) will increase the pax. rate enormously........

Is it your wish list or some proposal by authentic authority?::)

^^The whole list is a wish list by him only.

But there was a proposal by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to the state govt for the introduction of suburban services for the State Capital, from Kollam to Neyyattinkara.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, that carried out a feasibility study on the need for rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for the State capital, had suggested introduction of suburban services at a cost of Rs.176 crore.

It had suggested introduction of MEMU in the 82-km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch on the existing network.

http://www.hindu.com/2007/03/04/stories/2007030409280400.htm

As on 2006, this section was having a traffic of about 26000 daily commuters, which was projected to increase 4 times by 2010. So we can assume now a figure of around 1 lakh commuters. Once MEMUs are operational, there would be more people in the TVM-NTA sector who is depending on the buses along the choked NH who would shift to trains. My own relatives are there who travel by train daily between Balaramapuram and TVM. Commuters from Balaramapuram depend on the express train ‘Jayanti Janata’ druing mornings and it doesn’t have a stop in Balaramapuram; so what they do is travel in the opposite direction to NTA by the passenger train to Nagercoil and then catch the express train from Neyyattinkara.

Can you please provide the source of this information?

Already, around 70,000 passengers are traveling from Kollam to Trivandrum daily by means of trains and busses. Moreover, MEMU can be introduced if the pax. amount exceeds 50,000/day between two destinations. So, my point is justified. I don't have a source for now.

Is it your wish list or some proposal by authentic authority?::)

Even though it is a wish list, the points are based on the discussions from previous posts from SSC and from the news that was published till now.
^^The whole list is a wish list by him only.


SO, is it not a good one?? Or did I sound quixotic (unrealistic)??

SO, is it not a good one?? Or did I sound quixotic (unrealistic)??

I was not commenting about the merit of the post. Mine was a reply to Reghu’s question that whether it is a wish list or a proposal from an authority. Anyway in your case, even if it was your wish list, the proposal for the suburban railway for Trivandrum city, from Kollam to Neyyattinkara was already mooted some 5 years ago by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Reghu asked it specifically since he wanted to have a company. I had pulled his legs many times:) about his ‘Wish Lists’ which he presents as if some approved proposal, say like ‘central base station’, 10 platforms etc etc.

Already, around 70,000 passengers are traveling from Kollam to Trivandrum daily by means of trains and busses. Moreover, MEMU can be introduced if the pax. amount exceeds 50,000/day between two destinations. So, my point is justified. I don't have a source for now.


...So it was a mere assumption. Then why didn't you assume a higher figure?

Also how the MEMU is going to increase the number of passengers travelling in this route? Now itself people are using various means like passenger/ express trains, buses etc to travel. They may shift to MEMU once it is introduced. But there is no reason to believe that it would increase by another 50000 all of a sudden, as I understood from your statements.

...So it was a mere assumption. Then why didn't you assume a higher figure?

Also how the MEMU is going to increase the number of passengers travelling in this route? Now itself people are using various means like passenger/ express trains, buses etc to travel. They may shift to MEMU once it is introduced. But there is no reason to believe that it would increase by another 50000 all of a sudden, as I understood from your statements.

Likewise Memu is not an additional facility, I believe. Rather its a replacement measure instead of running regular trains at odd hours. I am sure, once Memu gets activated, a few intercity trains will be replaced with MEMU. I even fear the famous Vanchinad-Venad express may be replaced by MEMU.

Yes, Memu will have more capacity than regular trains. But not so significant to add more.

But in long run, MEMU plays a key role in transporting people. Currently many people are dependent of long distance trains, which has only few coaches for unreserved category. Whereas once MEMU comes, mobility will be more easy. I am sure, when more mobility options come, people will prefer to live in other places and travel to other places for work.

I even fear the famous Vanchinad-Venad express may be replaced by MEMU.



Dont bluff, Of course, MEMUs would be replacements, but the regular passenger trains and not the express intercity trains line Venad or Vanchinad.

...So it was a mere assumption. Then why didn't you assume a higher figure?

Also how the MEMU is going to increase the number of passengers traveling in this route? Now itself people are using various means like passenger/ express trains, buses etc to travel. They may shift to MEMU once it is introduced. But there is no reason to believe that it would increase by another 50000 all of a sudden, as I understood from your statements.

Actually, I followed the Delhi metro case closely. So, I arrived at similar assumptions. Moreover, I did not count the pax. traveling in express trains to KLM ....If they are also included, total may go to around 90,000 +/- 10,000 roughly.
And, intro. of MEMU will act as a catalyst for the growth of Kollam city into a major city in Kerala. More IT related activities apart from Technopark-Kollam will happen. Kollam is the natural choice for local IT cos. when TVM saturates.....

I was not commenting about the merit of the post. Mine was a reply to Reghu’s question that whether it is a wish list or a proposal from an authority. Anyway in your case, even if it was your wish list, the proposal for the suburban railway for Trivandrum city, from Kollam to Neyyattinkara was already mooted some 5 years ago by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.

Reghu asked it specifically since he wanted to have a company. I had pulled his legs many times:) about his ‘Wish Lists’ which he presents as if some approved proposal, say like ‘central base station’, 10 platforms etc etc.

:):):):):):) When I was typing the post, I never thought it as my wish list..... I just figured out what really happens when the work on MEMU starts. Anyway, the posted points are nothing but things they (implementing agency) will do to make MEMU running..... No extra points that are considered as non real is there..

Anyway, thanks for your comments....Sudheesh:)

I travel from Varkala to Trivandrum daily for my studies. I know people from Kollam and i have friends from Paravoor (which is only about 11 KM from Kollam city center) who travel daily to TVM. MEMU services are really a must.

Currently, there are only 2 passenger trains (TVM-QLN pass and KTM-NGCL) and 2 express trains (EKM-TVM Vanchinad and GUR-TVM Intercity) connecting these cities. All other trains are Superfast Express trains which has only few (2 or 4) coaches for unreserved category and also these trains will not halt on minor stations b/w the cities. The morning and evening trains are almost full and people (mainly youngsters) hang on the doors of the train!!!!

New impetus to KLM-TVM twin Cities

It is well known that the much awaited MEMU services in the Kolam-Nagarcoil sector is going to take off. This year's budget has aalocated funds for the project. Electrification is almost complete upto Nagarcoil Jn. Now, infrastructure needed to handle extra MEMU rakes is being developed. This include,

2. New platforms at all major stations viz. NGCL, Balaramapuram, Nemom, TVC, KCVL, Kazhakuttam, Mangalapuram, Chirayinkeezh, Varkala, Punalur and Kollam is needed
3. Raising of Platform height and length at all minor stations is needed
5. MEMU rakes of state-of-the-art design should be deployed instead of using old rakes from Chennai/Mumbai MEMU services.


I don't think there is need for new platforms. The main stations which halt express trains is Chirayinkil, Kadakkavoor, Varkala, and Paravoor (i guess you mentioned Paravoor above). Among these, Varkala is the only super fast express halt station and it has currently 3 Platforms and 4 main tracks. Also, Kadakkavoor has 3 Platforms and 3 main tracks.

Raising of platform height and length at all minor stations is needed. i agree. Only Chirayinkil and Varkala stations has platforms with enough height. Kazhakoottom railway station, which has so many commuters from Technopark, Infosys etc has very small platform (Only about 15 cm's from floor level) and the Veli railway station (which have the commuters from ISRO's VSSC, Travancore Titanium products etc) has no platforms!!! :nuts:

See this pics from the morning TVM-KLM passenger train.

Shot somewhere near Chirayinkil. That boys were hanging in the door.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7313/42229157.jpg

Shot at Kazhakoottam Railway station. (You can also see the height of the platform)
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4605/42229195.jpg

Shot near Varkala
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/349/image0176v.jpg

This is a regular scene in most of TVM - KLM trains.

See this pics from the morning TVM-KLM passenger train.

Shot somewhere near Chirayinkil. That boys were hanging in the door.
http://img215.imageshack.us/img215/7313/42229157.jpg

Shot at Kazhakoottam Railway station. (You can also see the height of the platform)
http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/4605/42229195.jpg

Shot near Varkala
http://img190.imageshack.us/img190/349/image0176v.jpg

This is a regular scene in most of TVM - KLM trains.

Excellent pics..... u made us understand the difficulties of commuters from KLM to TVM......thanks..

Likewise Memu is not an additional facility, I believe. Rather its a replacement measure instead of running regular trains at odd hours.

In my opinion once MEMU trains replace the existing passenger trains, the unreserved compartments in these passenger trains could be augumented to other passeneger/express trains.

Also, due to its higher acceleration and deceleration rates, a MEMU can save a lot of time compared to a normal LOCO passenger train. A passenger train frm TVM to KLM takes abt 2-2.5 hours. A Memu should cover the same in 1.5 to 2hrs.

On the downside, the 'no toilets' issue is a concern.

On the downside, the 'no toilets' issue is a concern.

It may not be much of an issue in the 65 kms TVC-QLN stretch, which is normal standards for a MEMU.

But when it replaces passenger trains running about 150 kms, that too single tracks, it is an issue.

Kerala might get MEMU with toilet. There were political demands on this basis.

I don't know whether it is posted earlier in SSC or not.

this the article from The Hindu on 24-Oct-2006......

Suburban trains to ease traffic

http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/24/images/2006102421420301.jpg
Thiruvananthapuram: Introduction of suburban commuter rail services on the 82 km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch on the existing railway system with modifications is expected to provide relief to daily commuters besides reducing traffic on major roads in the city.

Feasibility study

The suburban services have been mooted at a cost of Rs.176 crore by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which carried out a feasibility study for exploring the need for Rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).

The DMRC in its report to the State Government mooted the improvement of commuter rail services as Metro railway, MRTS and Light Capacity Metro Rail System (LRTS) would not be found feasible even in 2030.

The DMRC sources told The Hindu that Mainline Electric Multiple Units (MEMU) type suburban trains of six coaches each have been recommended for the capital city.

The MEMU can run every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

During the rest of the day, the frequency of MEMU trains would be one hour. Fifteen MEMU trains would ply the Thiruvananthapruam-Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch daily.

The 65 km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram stretch is an electrified broad gauge double line section, while the 17 km Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch is a non-electrified broad gauge singe line section.

The 17-km stretch needs to be electrified so that MEMU trains can ply. The DMRC has mooted additional measures to improve the line capacity and signalling system for introducing such trains.

Of the 21 stations on the stretch, railway stations are situated at four km between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. After Thiruvananthapuram, Nemom is the next station at a distance of 7.72 km. New stations have been proposed at Chakka, Karamana and S.N. College.

Parking facilities at all railway stations need to be improved and signals installed at 40 level crossings on the stretch.

Terminal facilities, including those for maintenance of additional rake of MEMU trains, would have to be developed at Neyyattinkara. Additional stabling facilities would have to be created at Kollam. Due to space constraints, MEMU trains would only have stoppage at Thiruvananthapuram.

One platform at Thiruvananthapuram Central should be earmarked for suburban trains. A separate entry/exit for suburban passengers has also been mooted.

A sum of Rs.26 crore is needed for signalling work, Rs.10 crore for electrification of Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch, Rs.1 crore for setting up three stations, Rs.25 crore for terminal and maintenance facilities at Neyyattinkara, Rs.2 crore for additional stabling lines at Kollam and Rs.112 crore for MEMU type Rolling Stock (102 coaches).

The Railways would implement the project and operate MEMU trains.

The DMRC suggested that the State and the Railways fund the cost of improvement equally as done in Andhra Pradesh.

At present, there are 18,000 commuters who travel along the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram section daily and another 8,000 along the Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara section.

The suburban traffic is expected to increase to about three to four times by 2010.

Another one ...dated 4-MAr-2007

Clearance for MEMU services

Rs.5 lakh for `stabling line facilities'

Separate platforms to be set up for MEMU services
MEMU trains can carry 3,000 passengers at a time

Thiruvananthapuram: The Railways have cleared Mainline Electric Multiple Units (MEMU)-type suburban trains in the State in principle. A sum of Rs .5 lakh has been earmarked in the Railway Budget for setting up `inspection and stabling line facilities for MEMU in Kollam.'

The decision has come as a surprise to the Southern Railway authorities as it did not find mention in the budget speech of Union Minister for Railways Lalu Prasad. The MPs from the State were also not aware of the major project aimed at providing relief to the commuters of the State.

A top railway official confirmed to The Hindu that the amount has been sanctioned for 2007-08. This has found mention in the Pink Book and in the explanatory memorandum on the Railway Budget 2007-2008.

"This is a prelude to suburban services in the State and we have been lobbying for MEMU services. The divisional authorities will soon work out a plan to create the facilities for starting MEMU services," he said.

The MEMU-type suburban trains of nine cars would be able to carry 3000 passengers at a time.

Although the MEMU would resemble suburban trains, the coaches would be that used for passenger and express trains.

The seating would be as in suburban trains plying in the metros.

A sum of Rs.30-40 crore is needed to set up an MEMU maintenance shed and terminal for commencing operations. Kollam has been selected as it is the `mid-point' between the 155-km Nagercoil-Kollam stretch and 155-km section to Ernakulam.

Though the Railways can operate the MEMU with the existing platforms, the plan is to set up separate platforms. "We hope the funds would be sanctioned on a continuous basis.

The rakes have to be allocated by the Railway Board," the official added.

The MEMU can run 200 km at a stretch and the Railways can introduce them in the busy Thiruvananthapuram-Ernakulam section. The Railways can extend the suburban services to Nagercoil once the Thiruvananthapuram-Kanyakumari section is electrified.

The stabling line and other facilities are being planned on the land owned by the Railways near the S.N. College, Kollam.

Already, MEMUs are plying in the Palakkad-Erode section using one rake. As there is no maintenance facility in Palakkad, the rake is taken to Avadi for periodic maintenance.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, that carried out a feasibility study on the need for rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) for the State capital, had suggested introduction of suburban services at a cost of Rs.176 crore.

It had suggested introduction of MEMU in the 82-km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch on the existing network.

The suburban traffic is expected to increase by about three to four times by 2010.

It may not be much of an issue in the 65 kms TVC-QLN stretch, which is normal standards for a MEMU.

Yes, That's true. There are also so many commuters who depend upon KSRTC.

I don't know whether it is posted earlier in SSC or not.

this the article from The Hindu on 24-Oct-2006......

Suburban trains to ease traffic

http://www.hindu.com/2006/10/24/images/2006102421420301.jpg
Thiruvananthapuram: Introduction of suburban commuter rail services on the 82 km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch on the existing railway system with modifications is expected to provide relief to daily commuters besides reducing traffic on major roads in the city.

Feasibility study

The suburban services have been mooted at a cost of Rs.176 crore by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which carried out a feasibility study for exploring the need for Rail-based Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS).

The DMRC in its report to the State Government mooted the improvement of commuter rail services as Metro railway, MRTS and Light Capacity Metro Rail System (LRTS) would not be found feasible even in 2030.

The DMRC sources told The Hindu that Mainline Electric Multiple Units (MEMU) type suburban trains of six coaches each have been recommended for the capital city.

The MEMU can run every 30 minutes between 7 a.m. and 9 a.m. and between 5.30 p.m. and 7.30 p.m.

During the rest of the day, the frequency of MEMU trains would be one hour. Fifteen MEMU trains would ply the Thiruvananthapruam-Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch daily.

The 65 km Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram stretch is an electrified broad gauge double line section, while the 17 km Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch is a non-electrified broad gauge singe line section.

The 17-km stretch needs to be electrified so that MEMU trains can ply. The DMRC has mooted additional measures to improve the line capacity and signalling system for introducing such trains.

Of the 21 stations on the stretch, railway stations are situated at four km between Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram. After Thiruvananthapuram, Nemom is the next station at a distance of 7.72 km. New stations have been proposed at Chakka, Karamana and S.N. College.

Parking facilities at all railway stations need to be improved and signals installed at 40 level crossings on the stretch.

Terminal facilities, including those for maintenance of additional rake of MEMU trains, would have to be developed at Neyyattinkara. Additional stabling facilities would have to be created at Kollam. Due to space constraints, MEMU trains would only have stoppage at Thiruvananthapuram.

One platform at Thiruvananthapuram Central should be earmarked for suburban trains. A separate entry/exit for suburban passengers has also been mooted.

A sum of Rs.26 crore is needed for signalling work, Rs.10 crore for electrification of Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara stretch, Rs.1 crore for setting up three stations, Rs.25 crore for terminal and maintenance facilities at Neyyattinkara, Rs.2 crore for additional stabling lines at Kollam and Rs.112 crore for MEMU type Rolling Stock (102 coaches).

The Railways would implement the project and operate MEMU trains.

The DMRC suggested that the State and the Railways fund the cost of improvement equally as done in Andhra Pradesh.

At present, there are 18,000 commuters who travel along the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram section daily and another 8,000 along the Thiruvananthapuram-Neyyattinkara section.

The suburban traffic is expected to increase to about three to four times by 2010.

Though there was proposal for new stations including one at the busy SN college Junction in Kollam city, I do not think Railways have started any work on the new station there. It will be great if a small station comes up there as hundreds of students from the Trivandrum side going to SN college, Fathima College, SN womens college, Bishop Jermome Engineering college, University MBA college and the Yunis college of Engineering can get down there and reach their destination easily.^^

I think one IT park somewhere between paripally and chathannoor will make kollam and trivandrum cities more closer. And towns like kottiyam, chathanoor, paripally, attingal, kaniyapuram are growing fast. Already unofficially kottiyam became a part of kollam city. I hope Kottiyam, chavara and kundara will add to kollam city by near future which will make kollam a big city.

I
^^
think the complete 4 laning of tvm-klm road will bring the cities closer: reduce travel time y a sizable margin. Thrissur-Ernakulam really do look more or less like twin cities with the completion of 4 laning in the final stretch of clkdy-tsr.

^^ Also, a MEMU and a metro (in future), between the cities will reduce conjeston in NH-47. The new metro can be from Vizhinjam to Kollam via. Eenchakkal, Chakka, Technopark, Pallippuram, Kaniyapuram, Attingal, Mangalapuram, Varkala, Punalur, Kollam. As the MEMU needs more lines, (atleast 1 or 2 more) at various stretches, we can go for a metro that runs on elevated corridors and no underground (bcoz it will disturb the local inhabitations while flyovers has minimal impact).

^^ Also, a MEMU and a metro (in future), between the cities will reduce conjeston in NH-47. The new metro can be from Vizhinjam to Kollam via. Eenchakkal, Chakka, Technopark, Pallippuram, Kaniyapuram, Attingal, Mangalapuram, Varkala, Punalur, Kollam. As the MEMU needs more lines, (atleast 1 or 2 more) at various stretches, we can go for a metro that runs on elevated corridors and no underground (bcoz it will disturb the local inhabitations while flyovers has minimal impact).

Instead of the Metro, I think it would be ideal to have more MEMU lines (2 or 3) from the exisiting 2 lines which is used by the normal trains.

They can also plan for MEMU trains plying in Trivandrum - Kottarakkara - Kollam route in future if the Chengannur - Kottarakkara - Trivandrum line materializes^^ atleast by 2025:).

The Corporation had plans to operate point to point services. These would be started between Thiruvananthapuram and Kollam on an experimental basis. There would not be any intermediate stops for those services.


KSRTC minister VS Sivakumar said that KSRTC had plans to start point to point services and would be started initially in the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram sector on an experimental basis


The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2458893.ece)

Is it the town to tow service KSRTC is already operating in many places?

^^ no.. these are non stop point to point services

^^ no.. these are non stop point to point services

It seems the Duronto version of KSRTC. If the bus starts at Trivandrum KSRTC Bus station, the next stop may be the Kollam KSRTC Bus station (72 Kms non stop) except for the traffic blocks and sudden breaks:).

Soon people will start demanding intermediate stops for the non stop service.

Soon people will start demanding intermediate stops for the non stop service.

Yes...they will demand stops at Kazhakootam, Attingal, Kallambalam, Paripally, Chathanoor, and Kottiyam:lol:.

Yes...they will demand stops at Kazhakootam, Attingal, Kallambalam, Paripally, Chathanoor, and Kottiyam:lol:.

It is better to have 4 or 5 stops between the starting and last stops . This will improve the commercial viability of the service . A Limited stop type of service will help the commuters . Only rider is that it should be a limited stop service and not one that stops every 10 minutes

Sivakumar said that there was a plan to extend the low-floor bus services under the JNNURM scheme to the adjacent districts of Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam districts also. This will be done after getting the clearance from the Central Government.

That means Kollam,Alappuzha , Kottayam,Idukki and Thrishur districts can reap benefits..

IBNLive (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/thampanoor-to-east-fort-footoverbridge-planned/184991-60-123.html)

KSRTC minister VS Sivakumar said that KSRTC had plans to start point to point services and would be started initially in the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram sector on an experimental basis


The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2458893.ece)

The Ministe announced a plan to introduce point-to-point bus services.

The services would be introduced on a pilot basis from Thiruvananthapuram to Kollam and from Thiruvananthapuram to Kottarakkara. He said that the bus services were expected to begin once the construction of the Enchakkal bus terminal was completed.


IBNLive (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/thampanoor-to-east-fort-footoverbridge-planned/184991-60-123.html)

Yes...they will demand stops at Kazhakootam, Attingal, Kallambalam, Paripally, Chathanoor, and Kottiyam:lol:.


For better ridership i think the bus should have a stop at least at Attingal.. If the plan is just to operate 2-3 daily services during the office hours, then a non stop service from Kollam to Tvm would be profitable.

It is to be noteed that TVM-Kollam highway does not run parallel to the Railway route and thus commuters from places along the highway like Kottiyam,Chathanoor,Parippally,Kallambalam,Attingal and Kazhakootam(only a few trains stop here) rely only on buses.

Whereas commuters traveeling from Trivandrum to Kollam or vice versa would definitely prefer a train as they just have to pay 10 or 13 rs rather than a 40rs bus ticket......

For better ridership i think the bus should have a stop at least at Attingal.. If the plan is just to operate 2-3 daily services during the office hours, then a non stop service from Kollam to Tvm would be profitable.

It is to be noteed that TVM-Kollam highway does not run parallel to the Railway route and thus commuters from places along the highway like Kottiyam,Chathanoor,Parippally,Kallambalam,Attingal and Kazhakootam(only a few trains stop here) rely only on buses.

Whereas commuters traveeling from Trivandrum to Kollam or vice versa would definitely prefer a train as they just have to pay 10 or 13 rs rather than a 40rs bus ticket......

Absolutely correct, Navjot. The MEMUs will be a great boon for those in the coastal side as the railway route is more near to the coastal strip.

It would be a good idea if some of the low-floor buses in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram run to and fro from these citites to the neighbouring districts especially in the morning and evening.

Absolutely correct, Navjot. The MEMUs will be a great boon for those in the coastal side as the railway route is more near to the coastal strip.

It would be a good idea if some of the low-floor buses in Ernakulam and Thiruvananthapuram run to and fro from these citites to the neighbouring districts especially in the morning and evening.

You missed my earlier post : :)


Sivakumar said that there was a plan to extend the low-floor bus services under the JNNURM scheme to the adjacent districts of Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam districts also. This will be done after getting the clearance from the Central Government.
That means Kollam,Alappuzha , Kottayam,Idukki and Thrishur districts can reap benefits..

Work on high speed rail corridor to begin in 2014

Kochi: If everything goes well, the work of the ambitious Rs 1.8 lakh-crore high speed rail corridor project from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod will begin by January 2014. It will take eight years to complete the project. The first phase of the project from Thiruvananthapuram to Ernakulam, with an estimated cost of Rs 45,000 crore, will be completed in five years.

Another three years are required to complete the project from Ernakulam to Mangalore, T Balakrishnan, chairman and managing director, Kerala High Speed Rail Corporation Ltd (KHSRCL), has said. He was talking to reporters at a function organised on the INKEL (Infrastructure Kerala Limited) campus in Angamaly on Thursday. “The survey for the project is in progress. Tunnels have been planned in cities for the project,” he said.

“We are hopeful of completing the project without much protest so that Kerala will be the first state in the country to implement high-speed rail. Japanese Shinkansen technology is being used for the project and it will be accident-free,” he added.

On completion, the high-speed rail will enable people to travel from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod in 142 minutes, covering a distance of 526 km. “Thrissur will be a common hub station for the high speed rail project and the proposed rail corridor project from Chennai to Thiruvananthapuram,” Balakrishnan said.

There will be eight stations between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod - Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Thirur, Kozhikode and Kannur for the high speed train. An estimated time of 43 minutes is required for the bullet train to reach Kochi from Thiruvananthapuram.

Source - IBNLive.com

Alignment of High Speed Rail Corridor yet to be decided

Final policy decision will be taken by the State government: District Collector

District Collector P.I. Sheikh Pareed has said that only the preliminary survey as part of the feasibility study of the proposed High Speed Rail Corridor is being carried out in the district.

He said that the final policy decision would be taken by the State government. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will submit the feasibility report to the government in December. The decision regarding the alignment of the project will be taken only after that.

Meeting

The Collector was addressing a meeting of representatives of local bodies to remove apprehension about the survey for the project on Saturday. DMRC chief engineer G. Radhakrishnan and Kerala High Speed Rail Corridor Company Limited general manager V. Krishnarajan also gave clarifications about the project.

Control points set up at various points are aimed at carrying out satellite survey as part of the feasibility study. Land for the rail project will be identified at a radius of 500 metres to 2 km of these points. The markings made already are only part of the preliminary survey.

The Collector put to rest growing apprehension about the project by citing the government’s direction to find an alignment that would spare houses, places of worship, and heavily populated areas.

Government proposal

The government proposes to set up two high speed rail corridors between Kasargod and Thiruvananthapuram, and Kochi and Palakkad. Of this, the feasibility study of the former worth Rs. 1.20 lakh crore is being undertaken by the DMRC. The study is regarding the two-lane rail for bullet trains travelling at a speed of 350 km per hour. The proposed corridor will be inclusive of elevated and underground rails.

Mr. Radhakrishnan said that the distance between two pillars of the elevated rail would be 25 metres. Land at a width of 15 metres would be acquired in places were elevated rails are proposed.

The elevated rail will be five metres above the ground level. The rail will take a straight path wherever possible.

Underground rail

The underground rail, at a depth of 30 metres, is proposed in places where it passes through residential areas thus ruling out land acquisition.

Land for a station is likely to be identified on the eastern side of the Vyttila Mobility Hub. The bullet train will reach Kochi from Thiruvananthapuram in 43 minutes while the travelling time between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod will be reduced to three hours.

There will be eight stations between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod — Kollam, Chengannur, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Thiroor, Kozhikode and Kannur. But only one bullet train will stop at any three of these stations.

Stopovers reduced

The number of stopovers has been reduced to sustain the speed. The track can be used by passenger trains in the interval between bullet trains. Mr. Radhakrishnan said that the bullet train service can be made feasible by pricing tickets at the fare of first class and AC tickets.

The Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi track can be completed in five years and the Kochi-Kasargod track in seven years.

The DMRC is now engaged in detailed analysis of the preliminary report based on satellite images. The project will go ahead once the government approves the report. Mr. Radhakrishnan said that at present DMRC has been entrusted only with the feasibility study.

Source - The Hindu

KSRTC minister VS Sivakumar said that KSRTC had plans to start point to point services and would be started initially in the Kollam-Thiruvananthapuram sector on an experimental basis


The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/article2458893.ece)

In The second half of nineties, there was something called "WHITE EXPRESS" which was nonstop TVM-KLM service....It didn't stop even in Attingal.
And I heard the conductor once saying so proudly, Only lightning EXP(TVM-EKM) and this one doesn't enter ATL depot.

Later stops were added and then...

^^

As usual, this proposal remains on paper and has failed to materialise.
May be KSRTC pulled out of the plan thinking that a non stop service is not viable.

^^

As usual, this proposal remains on paper and has failed to materialise.
May be KSRTC pulled out of the plan thinking that a non stop service is not viable.
Navjot, KSRTC now operates end to end service between TVM and KLM during peak hours. These buses only have two stops between tvm and kollam.. one at palayam junction and one at kollam railway station.

Navjot, KSRTC now operates end to end service between TVM and KLM during peak hours. These buses only have two stops between tvm and kollam.. one at palayam junction and one at kollam railway station.

Probably, a Volvo service during the peak hours is also profitable considering the rush ...atleast for those who go for interviews, tests and important meetings once in a while.

Navjot, KSRTC now operates end to end service between TVM and KLM during peak hours. These buses only have two stops between tvm and kollam.. one at palayam junction and one at kollam railway station.

Oh.. I was never aware of this. Since when has these services been operational and they dont even stop at Attingal??

Probably, a Volvo service during the peak hours is also profitable considering the rush ...atleast for those who go for interviews, tests and important meetings once in a while.

Govt has apparently been trying for a long time to procure inter district permits for the JNNURM buses.Since these buses have been given only moffusil permits, it will take time for the Volvo 8400s to run to Kollam, Thrishur or Kottayam from Tvm/Ekm,,

Oh.. I was never aware of this. Since when has these services been operational and they dont even stop at Attingal??
I don't know from when onwards ksrtc has started these services.. I got this info from ksrtcblog.. However ksrtc operates TVM - Kottarakara end to end service also along with this service.

^^

I browsed through some news archives and came to know that the Klm/Ktr-Tvm non stop services were launched in April 2012, along with the Rajadhani services..

The pending electrification works and unallocation of required employees at Kollam MEMU Shed delays the already proposed Kollam -Trivandrum - Nagercovil MEMU service.

http://i49.tinypic.com/vrsrps.jpg
http://i49.tinypic.com/34958wx.jpg

No cause for concern over high speed rail: Chandy

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said on Tuesday that there was no cause for concern over the proposal for high speed rail corridor in the State since the project would be implemented only after discussions with all concerned.

In a statement here, the Chief Minister said that some quarters were making deliberate propaganda against the project with a view to raise public protests and to disturb peace.

Mr. Chandy said that the high speed rail would require only a path of 20 metres in width. The propaganda that 110 metres would be acquired was baseless. In populated areas, the rail would be laid through tunnels and at other places over pillars. It would run through bridges over water bodies. Hence, land acquisition would mostly be needed only in places where stations are to come up.

According to feasibility study conducted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, only 256 acres would be required for the first phase of the project between Thiruvananthapuram and Ernakulam. The Corporation was now preparing the detailed project report. It was the preliminary survey for this that was under way. The alignment would be finalised only on completion of the survey. Before deciding the alignment, discussions would be held with people’s representatives and others concerned. All genuine complaints, it is hoped, could be redressed during these discussions.

The Chief Minister added that the government would not go ahead with any project that is not welcomed by the people. The high speed corridor was first proposed in the Budget speech for 2009-2010. The Cabinet gave its approval for the proposal in February 2010. The 527 km line from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod was estimated to cost Rs. 1.18 lakh crore. The travel time between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod would be only less than three hours. The train would reach Kollam in 15 minutes and Kochi in 53 minutes.

Source - The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/no-cause-for-concern-over-high-speed-rail-chandy/article3935678.ece)

^^
HSR should help realize the 'tvm-klm twin city' by bringing the cities closer..
Commuting from tvm to kollam will be like commuting from one area in a city to the other.
This is not just the case for tvm and kollam. HSR, if materialized, can make kerala one big city of cities..

^^
HSR should help realize the 'tvm-klm twin city' by bringing the cities closer..
Commuting from tvm to kollam will be like commuting from one area in a city to the other.
This is not just the case for tvm and kollam. HSR, if materialized, can make kerala one big city of cities..

If TVM is just 15 mins from Kollam Kochi is just 40 to 45 mins from Kollam.

If TVM is just 15 mins from Kollam Kochi is just 40 to 45 mins from Kollam.
If it takes only 40mins from Kollam, you guys could reach the city before people like me from Aluva!

If it takes only 40mins from Kollam, you guys could reach the city before people like me from Aluva!

That is what Navjot said in the previous post, then Kerala seems like a big city and you seem to go from one part of the city to another.

Moreover, this will give more development for the smaller cities as people in those cities do not need to settle in bigger cities even if their job is in a different city. You may take a monthy pass or season ticket for job conveyance and settle confortably in your home city at your own home.


Kollam may have the greater advantage as people from Kollam can reach TVM in 15 mins, Chengannur in 15 Mins, Kottayam in 25 mins, Kochi in 40 mins, and Trichur in 55 - 60 mins.

That means 4 cities and a major town can be reached under or around an hour. Wow that makes living in Kollam more comfortable.

^^

This project itself seems impossible to me at least for now, leave alone people travelling daily across the districts paying more than Rs 1000 at the minimum.

^^

This project itself seems impossible to me at least for now, leave alone people travelling daily across the districts paying more than Rs 1000 at the minimum.

A monthly amount of 5000 is still cheaper than paying 10k to 15 k as rent in the bigger cities.

A monthly amount of 5000 is still cheaper than paying 10k to 15 k as rent in the bigger cities.

First of all, i don't hope for a monthly pass in a HSR for even Rs 10,000, let alone Rs 5000. And again, how many professionals spent more than Rs 10,000 for accommodation in our state?

The fare planned or proposed is just 4.35p per Km...

This means, for travelling between TVM-Kollam, its just Rs 313.2 Rs, in 2018 or 2020...

Pretty good deal, even if its 400 Rs that time, still good....

^^

Rs5/km, say, in 2020 seem to be impossible. Are you sure?

^^
Very sensible comments from Malayalee. :cheers:

No one is against HSR but people are a bit skeptical about it not bacause they are pessimistic or vikasana virodhi, but just thinking from the ground reality.

^^
HSR should help realize the 'tvm-klm twin city' by bringing the cities closer..
Commuting from tvm to kollam will be like commuting from one area in a city to the other.
This is not just the case for tvm and kollam. HSR, if materialized, can make kerala one big city of cities..

+100

First of all, i don't hope for a monthly pass in a HSR for even Rs 10,000, let alone Rs 5000. And again, how many professionals spent more than Rs 10,000 for accommodation in our state?

Why not? The rents in key areas of Kochi or Trivandrum has almost crossed 10K.. I mean for luxury flats or villas etc...

That market can be tapped, if people prefer to live in home towns and go for daily work.... Japan or Taiwan has similar experience in making daily pass system

These kind of pass can be linked later to other transport modes, say KOMET, Trivandrum/Kozhikode Monorails or Ferry systems etc......

^^

Rs5/km, say, in 2020 seem to be impossible. Are you sure?

Its seen in the HSR's pre-feasibility report, that they plan 4.35 Rs per KM for Ordinary and Rs 6 for Business Class...

I do wish for such revolutionary changes at my native. But in the current scenario, it's quite hard to believe. Lets hope for the best. Having said that, i demand better road infra in the near future than a HSR in 15 years.

Regarding the rental rates, our TVM SSCians here have given their 2-3 bed apartments near Technopark for rent in the range of 12-15 k (maintenance charge extra). (Maintenance would be around min Rs.2000/- extra ( Rs.2 or more per sft ).

Just called up ex colleagues at SFS TVM, the rates for fully furnished 2-3 BHK apartments in Cyber Palms, NH Bypass is getting rentals in the range of 20-35k.

This indeed gives more importance to HSR as outskirts of cities like Kollam will become favourite residential areas because of the housing options, low rent. and even lower apartment cost in future compared to the top 2 citites in Kerala.

A common man/government salary employee cannot afford 15-20 K monthly rent. It is wiser for him to stay in a city where rent is around 7-10 K. Still he may reach Kochi or TVM within 45 mins and 15 mins respectively.

He can afford a season ticket of 5000 if the he owns a house or gets a house for 6 or 7 K.

Hence, the HSR is going to benefit the smaller cities while reducing the congestion in the bigger cities.

Regarding the rental rates, our TVM SSCians here have given their 2-3 bed apartments near Technopark for rent in the range of 12-15 k (maintenance charge extra). (Maintenance would be around min Rs.2000/- extra ( Rs.2 or more per sft ).

Just called up ex colleagues at SFS TVM, the rates for fully furnished 2-3 BHK apartments in Cyber Palms, NH Bypass is getting rentals in the range of 20-35k.

Regarding the rental rates, our TVM SSCians here have given their 2-3 bed apartments near Technopark for rent in the range of 12-15 k
Reghu, most of such apartments might be taken up by a group of professionals, where each of them will spend 2-3k. So can't justify HSR on this basis.
Just called up ex colleagues at SFS TVM, the rates for fully furnished 2-3 BHK apartments in Cyber Palms, NH Bypass is getting rentals in the range of 20-35k.
Surprising!

This indeed gives more importance to HSR as outskirts of cities like Kollam will become favourite residential areas because of the housing options, low rent. and even lower apartment cost in future compared to the top 2 citites in Kerala.

A common man/government salary employee cannot afford 15-20 K monthly rent. It is wiser for him to stay in a city where rent is around 7-10 K. Still he may reach Kochi or TVM within 45 mins and 15 mins respectively.

He can afford a season ticket of 5000 if the he owns a house or gets a house for 6 or 7 K.

Hence, the HSR is going to benefit the smaller cities while reducing the congestion in the bigger cities.

E.Sreedharan and OC have several times mentioned it, the maximum fare for the HSR could be not more than 1.5 times of existing JanShatabdi fares... Even today, we can see the rush for Janshatabdi among the daily commuters between TVM-Kochi as well as Kozhikode. They are primarily using it for shorter areas, than TVM-Kozhikode etc... Say TVM-Kollam or Kollam-Kottayam or Kottaym-Kochi or Kochi-Thrissur etc...

The same services can be extended to HSR too........

Reghu, most of such apartments might be taken up by a group of professionals, where each of them will spend 2-3k. So can't justify HSR on this basis.


There are still individual cases too.... My apartment near Infopark has been taken by a family. The husband works in Wipro, while wife is not working now..Both are from Kottayam...

If HSR is there, naturally they might consider living in their hometown and travel daily... It would cost them say 16 K for monthly even without any pass system. But he can stay in his home-town, and naturally cost him lesser than Kochi. There are many other expenses when you live a major city like Kochi. Say waste, food, entertainment etc....

If the govt introduces a pass system, say 10 or 11K, its surely generate better responses....

Reghu, most of such apartments might be taken up by a group of professionals, where each of them will spend 2-3k. So can't justify HSR on this basis. !

You are ‘Quoting’ my post but addressing to ‘Reghu’..

BTW FYI, the apartments I mentioned are all taken by individuals only. There are three apartments which I know personally, owned by TVM SSCians, two in SFS Cyberpalms (2 bed, 1100 sft) and one in Kristal (3 bed), unfurnished ones getting 12-15k rent, exclusive of maintenance charges.

And there is a preference for renting to a family rather than giving it to a group to bachelors.

Surprising!

Yes, there are many things in the world you might not be aware of. :)

Reghu, most of such apartments might be taken up by a group of professionals, where each of them will spend 2-3k. So can't justify HSR on this basis.

Surprising!

From my personal experience, this should be true in the case unfurnished apartments. 12-15 should be given for the best apartments near technopark.

20-35 is surprising and may be exaggerated because even in Bangalore the difference in furnished and unfurnished are not this huge

You are ‘Quoting’ my post but addressing to ‘Reghu’..
I was considering your info in our discussion.

Yes, there are many things in the world you might not be aware of. :)
Obviously, none in the world is knowledgeable about everything.

But a 35k rent for furnished apartments in 'not a big' city like Tvpm is overrated. But again, it depends on the interests of the purchaser more than the market standards. Anything under 20k is justifiable by Kerala standards.

From my personal experience, this should be true in the case unfurnished apartments. 12-15 should be given for the best apartments near technopark.

20-35 is surprising and may be exaggerated because even in Bangalore the difference in furnished and unfurnished are not this huge

35k should be hyperluxurous, maybe we can compare to the ones in Bangalore which has few lakhs as rent. But for common people or normal luxury house 35k is overrated. 20k is something I would believe an higher end. One of my friend stays in a luxury apartment somewhere near, 3bhk and it costs 12k per month. If rent is 35k, apartment should cost atleast 1+ crore which.

Obviously, none in the world is knowledgeable about everything. .

Good to hear. Yes, there are many areas where one would not be aware or knowledgeable about, this real estate being one among that.


But a 35k rent for furnished apartments in 'not a big' city like Tvpm is overrated. But again, it depends on the interests of the purchaser more than the market standards. Anything under 20k is justifiable by Kerala standards.

My post was primarily about the comment that ‘who will rent at 10-12k’? Of course, it is only the entry level in the IT belt.

Of course, Trivandrum is ‘ not a big city’ like Bangalore, but the costs and living standards may not have correct correlation. The difference is that in Bangalore you will find the ‘variance’ high. That is it starts with lesser costs, lesser rentals also, going to the roof. You will find poorer as well as richer people.

20-35k is the rents really happening in Cyber Palms, not an assumption like many people make here.

Even prior to 2008 (when I was in TVM), I had seen advts in Muthoot Builders website about the rentals of their furnished apartments in Vazhuthacaud costing about 25k. In fact at the top end of the pyramid, I have seen even fully furnished apartments (inclusive of A/c) costing up to one lakh rent in Kowdiar area

From my personal experience, this should be true in the case unfurnished apartments. 12-15 should be given for the best apartments near technopark.

Yes, unfurnished, standard apartments having about sizes of 1100-1200 to start with for 2 bhk.

20-35 is surprising and may be exaggerated because even in Bangalore the difference in furnished and unfurnished are not this huge

It can be the larger apartments, 2000 sft +. Furnishing means including A/c also.

I just searched on realty portals for rentals, got the rental rates given as Rs.14 psft to Rs. 18/sft. I have seen public listings with rents of 25k.

35k should be hyperluxurous, maybe we can compare to the ones in Bangalore which has few lakhs as rent. But for common people or normal luxury house 35k is overrated. 20k is something I would believe an higher end. One of my friend stays in a luxury apartment somewhere near, 3bhk and it costs 12k per month. If rent is 35k, apartment should cost atleast 1+ crore which.

Hyperluxourus, which are primarily taken by corporate for their personnel can go much higher. While in TVM years back, I knew of some top end apartments being rented in lakhs by some airline company for their top guy.

There are expats also in Trivandrum, working at Technopark.

As a I said earlier, the crux of the matter was the comment ‘who will spent more than Rs.10k’ for accommodation. Of course, the high rentals are not the norm, but exceptions.

20-35k is the rents really happening in Cyber Palms, not an assumption like many people make here.
I just quick searched about SFS cyber palms and i couldn't see a single adv. (of course Adv's are not the only benchmark) of rent not going more than 20k, while you seem to stand on 20-35 as the normal rate.

Here's (http://thiruvananthapuram.olx.in/3-bhk-flat-at-sfs-cyber-palms-near-infosys-campus-iid-278319007) one posted on Nov 2011,

3 BHK, 1510 sqft, semi furnished for Rs 13k. Of course it's not fully equipped, but again way below what you claim.

As a I said earlier, the crux of the matter was the comment ‘who will spent more than Rs.10k’ for accommodation.
My post was with respect to the professionals paying high rentals. There might be creamy layer people who can afford 20-30k rentals, but let me ask, how many of the 35k odd working in TP can afford a rent more than Rs 10k? That number would be on the lower side for sure.

while you seem to stand on 20-35 as the normal rate..

I think you are not reading the posts clearly. Did I say it as the ‘normal rate’?

You might have skipped the lines which said rents of 12-15k for unfurnished apartments.

There are apartments which are getting up to 20-35k. And this is not from any Advt, but directly from the source.

The rental in a good apartment near infopark is around 10-15K (unfurnished) with decent amenities.. My friends are staying @ Olive right opposite to Infopark for 15K and @ Nagarjuna Laurel (500M off Infopark) for 12K. For a good apartment with ameneities in Kochi (near Infopark /kakkanad) its always around 10-15K.

Reg..SFS Cyberpalms near technopark..its aroudn 15-18K AFAIK as its considered as the best address next to the IT hub.

Regarding the rental rates, our TVM SSCians here have given their 2-3 bed apartments near Technopark for rent in the range of 12-15 k (maintenance charge extra). (Maintenance would be around min Rs.2000/- extra ( Rs.2 or more per sft ).

Just called up ex colleagues at SFS TVM, the rates for fully furnished 2-3 BHK apartments in Cyber Palms, NH Bypass is getting rentals in the range of 20-35k.

I am just wondering what is the great advantage these people get by shelling 35K in the Kazhakootam NH Bypass apart from the Techno Park and the Airport proximity. There may be business potential in the area but this region does not have any gorgeous views compared to the Kowadiar area or a Marine Drive in Kochi. It seemed to me like a hilly - slanting highway.

Maybe these people are big magnets not knowing how to shell out money. You can comfortably stay in a posh house in Bangalore Koramangala with 25 K with all the luxury hangout places and reataurants near to your doorstep compared to this 35K at Kazhakootam which is still in the development stage.

Even luxury apartments near Wipro Electronic City doorstep rent is around 15 - 20 K for 3 BHKs. My friend pays 17K for his 3BHK apartment. For Villa next to Wipro is 22K. Villa costs 1.5 Crore.

Infact, my apartment 4.5 Kms away from Wipro 3 BHK with 1575 sq. feet has a rental value of 15 K with full furnishing.

In that case, I believe Bangalore is more affordable for an Kerala based IT employee if the TVM/Kochi scenarios go like this. Infact, I received a call from my fiend in TVM yesterday as he is planning to relocate to Bangalore based company for better job opportunities. He was citing it is difficult to have a good 2 BHK house for a normal rent in TVM based on his salary. He is ready to shell out 12 to 15 K if he gets a job in bangalore with 10 - 12 Lakhs CTC.

. He was citing it is difficult to have a good 2 BHK house for a normal rent in TVM based on his salary. He is ready to shell out 12 to 15 K if he gets a job in bangalore with 10 - 12 Lakhs CTC.

Thats a strange reason. May be he does not know how to look for a good house. Infact , if you stay away from TP area near places like sreekaryam, you have better connectivity to the city and you will get houses for lesser rent.

Rentals also depend upon the kind of crowd tat u get in tat area....for eg.Technopark and Infopark area's have mainly IT (and so called highly paid ) crowd which results in rentals being high even tho there aint many classy restaurants,malls or supermarkets nearby (compared to the core city areas)

Rentals in kakkanad is at par wd or higher than places like Panampilly Nagar, Edappaly or Kadavanthra..But can You really compare them...:nuts:

We have a similar case here in chennai too ..where rent has skyrockted in places like Sholinganallur (which is a city outskirt )only because of the IT boom and its even higher than some of the proper city area's .

The common man of chennai (atleast a few) complaints that IT has done more damage than good :)

^^ Here see some actual prices
My cousin staying at Sreekaryam paying 5.5K plus utilities for 2BHK flat.
My family was paying 6.5K for 3BHK flat near Technopolis Kakkanad,upto this may 2012.It is priced 7K now. 2BHK in same apt priced @6K. (All are semi-furnished -no loose furniture -utilities,maintenance expense(Rs.1000) not included )
I stayed in Vyttila and Palarivattom too,where rentals are always higher than Kakkanad and Infopark area.
Last time when I inquired SFS near Technopolis,SPAP road 2BHK furnished was priced at 15K(2011).

In Trivandrum, IT guys may be highest earning category, but in Kochi it is not. That reflects in rental prices too.

Interestingly, his own house (where his parents stay) is at Parashalla in Trivandrum. But he does not want to commute daily as it takes time and effort to reach Techno Park.

You may be correct as he can get a lower rent at Kaniyapuram or Thonnakkal as well. But what is the point for him as he is looking for a better job opportunity with a higher CTC and going to get married soon. He was looking for a house near the Techno Park as it would be easy for him to commute without any traffic issues and for privacy..but seemed costly and hence staying with another 2 friends sharing 3250 per month.

My point is the rent in these cities are going to be on a higher side in future if IT and other business develop. Hence, HSR will be a good option for those who want to stay in their own hometowns in the their backyard with their parents, relatives, and friends without paying through their nose.

Thats a strange reason. May be he does not know how to look for a good house. Infact , if you stay away from TP area near places like sreekaryam, you have better connectivity to the city and you will get houses for lesser rent.

Please stop Guys... Here we go with the details in TVM... ;)

http://i45.tinypic.com/bhxeo0.png
http://i48.tinypic.com/iclpfl.png

^^ No need of a comparison or debate.
Check any classified sites like click in , olx etc
There are apartments renting for Rs.30,000 plus in Trivandrum, Calicut and Kochi. It have nothing much to do with IT revolution.
Some apartment ads are asking Rs.40000 for 3BHK ,in MG Road Kochi .

നിങ്ങൾ ഇവിടെ അടി കൂടിയിട്ട് കാര്യമൊന്നുമില്ല ചാണ്ടി HSR കട പൂട്ടി .:)

അതിവേഗപാതയിൽ നിന്ന് സർക്കാർ പിൻവാങ്ങുന്നു
Posted on: 28 Sep 2012

അനീഷ് ജേക്കബ്ബ്


തിരുവനന്തപുരം: പ്രാഥമിക പഠനം പൂർത്തിയായ തിരുവനന്തപുരം - കാസർകോട് അതിവേഗ റെയിൽപ്പാത പദ്ധതിയുമായി മുന്നോട്ടുപോകുന്നതിൽ നിന്ന് സർക്കാർ തത്കാലത്തേക്ക് പിൻവാങ്ങുന്നു. ഭീമമായ മുടക്കുമുതൽ വേണ്ടതുകൊണ്ടും സ്ഥലമേറ്റെടുക്കലിന് പ്രായോഗിക ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുകളുള്ളതുകൊണ്ടുമാണ് ഈ വീണ്ടുവിചാരം.

തത്കാലം പദ്ധതിയുമായി മുന്നോട്ടുപോകേണ്ടെന്നാണ് മുഖ്യമന്ത്രി കെ.എസ്.ഐ.ഡി.സിക്ക് നൽകിയിരിക്കുന്ന നിർദേശം. എന്നാൽ പദ്ധതി സർക്കാർ പൂർണമായി ഉപേക്ഷിച്ചിട്ടുമില്ല. ഡൽഹി മെട്രോ റെയിൽ കോർപ്പറേഷനാണ് രണ്ടര മണിക്കൂർകൊണ്ട്തിരുവനന്തപുരത്തുനിന്നും കാസർകോട്വരെ പോകാൻ കഴിയുമെന്നു പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്ന അതിവേഗപാതയുടെ സാധ്യതാപഠനം നടത്തിയത്.

1,20.000 കോടി രൂപയാണ് പദ്ധതിക്കായി വേണ്ടിവരുന്ന ചെലവ്. 1635 ഏക്കർ സ്ഥലവും വേണം. സർക്കാരിന് മാത്രമായി ഇത്രയധികം പണം മുടക്കാനാകില്ല. കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ തന്നെ ഏറെക്കാലത്തെ ശ്രമത്തിനൊടുവിൽ കേന്ദ്ര പങ്കാളിത്തം നേടിയെടുത്തശേഷമാണ് യാഥാർഥ്യമാകുന്നത്.

നെടുമ്പാശ്ശേരി മോഡലാണ് സർക്കാരിന്റെ മുന്നിലുള്ള മറ്റൊരു പോംവഴി. എങ്കിലും ഇത്രയും ബൃഹത്തായ പദ്ധതി ഏറ്റെടുക്കലും എളുപ്പമല്ല. സ്ഥലമെടുപ്പാണ് കൂടുതൽ പ്രശ്നം സൃഷ്ടിക്കുകയെന്ന് സർക്കാർ വിലയിരുത്തുന്നു. 20 മീറ്റർ വീതിയിലാണ് സ്ഥലം വേണ്ടത്.
പ്രാഥമിക സർവേ നടന്നപ്പോൾ തന്നെ പാത കടന്നുപോകുമെന്ന് കരുതുന്ന സ്ഥലത്തുള്ളവർ പ്രതിഷേധം ഉയർത്തിത്തുടങ്ങി. ഇത് മറികടക്കുക എളുപ്പമല്ല.

ഗെയിലിന്റെ വാതകക്കുഴൽ കുഴിച്ചിടൽപോലും വർഷങ്ങളായിട്ടും പൂർത്തിയായിട്ടില്ല. കൂടംകുളത്തുനിന്ന് വൈദ്യുതി കൊണ്ടുവരുന്നതിനുള്ള ലൈൻ വലിക്കാനും പൂർണമായി കഴിഞ്ഞിട്ടില്ല. കേരളത്തേക്കാൾ തിരക്കുള്ള മറ്റ് സംസ്ഥാനങ്ങളിലൊന്നും അതിവേഗ റെയിൽപാത നടപ്പായിട്ടില്ല. ഇതും സർക്കാരിനെ പിന്നാക്കം വലിക്കുന്ന ഘടകമാണ്. ഇത്രയധികം തുക മുടക്കി പാത നിർമിച്ചാൽത്തന്നെ റോഡിലെ തിരക്ക് കുറയുമോയെന്ന സംശയവുമുണ്ട്. പാത നിർമാണം ഭാവി കേരളത്തിന്റെ ഗതാഗത ആവശ്യങ്ങൾക്ക് അനിവാര്യമാണെന്ന കാഴ്ചപ്പാടിലാണ് കെ.എസ്.ഐ.ഡി.സി. സ്വകാര്യ പങ്കാളിത്തത്തോടെ പണം കണ്ടെത്താനാകുമെന്നും അവർ ചൂണ്ടിക്കാട്ടുന്നു.

GoK to back track from the so called 'HSR' due to high project cost , land acquisition problems etc.

At last !!! commonsense prevails....
GOK should start Air Kerala using Embraer or similar turboprops connecting cities of Kerala before going international. That will definitely have good patronage.

അതിവേഗം ബഹുദൂരം...... ബ്ലും !!!
ഇനിയിപ്പോ ഇലക്ഷന ഒന്നും വരാനില്ലല്ലോ .

നിങ്ങൾ ഇവിടെ അടി കൂടിയിട്ട് കാര്യമൊന്നുമില്ല ചാണ്ടി HSR കട പൂട്ടി .:)



GoK to back track from the so called 'HSR' due to high project cost , land acquisition problems etc.

നിങ്ങൾ ഇവിടെ അടി കൂടിയിട്ട് കാര്യമൊന്നുമില്ല ചാണ്ടി HSR കട പൂട്ടി .:)



GoK to back track from the so called 'HSR' due to high project cost , land acquisition problems etc.

source???

Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod in less than 3 hour

The proposed high-speed rail corridor of Kerala will have a length of 564 km connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Mangalore in Karnataka.

According to a Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) preliminary study, in the first phase the service would be implemented in the Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi segment and then extended to Kasaragod in the northern part of Kerala and finally to Mangalore.

The total project cost for the corridor is estimated at Rs 120,000 crore. The government plans to implement the largest-ever infrastructure project of the state with private participation.

Reports on feasibility and alignment would be ready by December.

Under Phase I, the corridor will have nine stations including Kollam, Kottayam, Kochi, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kasaragod and later this would be increased 12. The other likely stations are Chengannur, Valanchery/Tirur and Thalassery.

Also, lanes between Thiruvananthapuram and Kottiyam in Kollam district covering 52 km will be implemented in Phase I. This will be extended to Chengannur and later to Kochi. The special purpose vehicle, Kerala High Speed Rail Corporation Limited, proposes to begin construction in 2014 if all clearances are ready.

T Balakrishnan, former Industries secretary, who is now heading the corporation, said the first phase covering the Thiruvananthapuram-Kochi stretch would take at least five years to complete and the remaining would be completed by two years. The cost in the first phase would be Rs 40,000 crore. DMRC is now engaged in a detailed analysis of the preliminary report based on satellite images.

Described as the most expensive infrastructure project conceived by the Kerala government, he said when completed it would engage bullet trains from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod in 142 minutes (less than three hours instead of the 15 hours now required) covering a distance of 526 km.

A detailed feasibility report was being prepared and the alignment survey was on, only after which land acquisition would be undertaken, he said allaying fears of public.

The initial survey of alignment is on in areas like Mookkannoor, Sreemool-anagaram, Irumpanam and Thrikkakkara in Ernakulam district. The land acquisition will take another 20-24 months.

He said the number of families evacuated for the project would be minimum as the major chunk of the rail was on an elevated structure and through the underground. The elevated rail will be five metres above the ground level. Roughly 2,500 families would be evacuated for the project. This includes 1,400-1,600 in the first stretch.

The structure supporting the rail will generally be on a single pillar spaced 25 metre apart. This is required to avoid large scale acquisition of land. Tunnelling is proposed in towns/cities to minimise land acquisition, he said.

Source - Business Standard (http://www.business-standard.com/india/news/thiruvananthapuram-to-kasaragod-in-less-than-3-hour/487952/)

നിങ്ങൾ ഇവിടെ അടി കൂടിയിട്ട് കാര്യമൊന്നുമില്ല ചാണ്ടി HSR കട പൂട്ടി .:)



GoK to back track from the so called 'HSR' due to high project cost , land acquisition problems etc.

^^ In my opinion, GoK should prioritize NH development than HSR. And if they run A/C low loor buses in


Neyyatinkara - Trivandrum- Attingal - Kollam - Karunagapally
Neyyatinkara - Trivandrum - Attingal - Kundara-Kottarakara- Trivandrum - Neyyattinkara
Kollam - Kundara - Kottarakara - Punalur - Kulathupuzha - Nedumangadu

with acceptable frequency, that itself will help the concept of Trivandrum - Kollam twin cities. Interestingly, most of these routes will have railway connectivity once the new broad guage line is commissioned. If such things are planned, it will help tourism in both districts and will be a good support infrastructure for the emerging Kazhakootam - Mangalapuram - Attingal - Kundara IT cluster.

Its just simple things like mentioned above that needs to be done. Looks like this government is interested in finding complex solutions to simple problems.

Officials from various departments inspect proposed Safe Corridor

By Express News Service - THIRUVANANTHAPURAM
10th October 2012 12:02 PM

In order to give recommendations to make the Kazhakkoottam-Adoor corridor accident-free, officials of various departments on Tuesday conducted an inspection of the stretch, which is the proposed Safe Corridor under the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP).

The 77-km stretch was jointly inspected by officials of the Transport, Education, Health and Works Departments.

However, officials of the Police Department, who are also part of the inter-department steering committee which reviews the Safe Corridor, did not attend the inspection.

According to K Joseph Mathew, project engineer of KSTP, a report prepared after the joint inspection will be submitted to the government.
‘’Officials of each department reviewed their respective areas on the stretch. The Health Department officials reviewed the trauma care facilities of hospitals along the stretch. The Education officials visited the Govt HSS Venjarammoodu. The team felt that the main gate of the school should be shifted to make the location safe for students.

The report will recommend construction of footpaths and hand railings in this area.

Meanwhile, the Transport officials checked the vehicle flow on the stretch and the PWD officials reviewed the areas which required bus bays, footpaths etc,’’ he said.

Joseph said that it was a sample study. “The report will be reviewed by Road Safety Authority. Similar inspections will be conducted on the stretch to review its safety aspects,’’ he said.

KSTP plans to develop the stretch as an accident-free zone by implementing various road safety measures.

The measures will be reviewed for a specified period of time and necessary modifications will be made. Recently, the officials of the World Bank, which funds the project, reviewed the Safe Corridor project and working of the inter-department steering committee. :cheers:

^^
The main bottlenecks in this stretch i believe are Karette and Ayur junctions.
Karette requires a signal and Ayur junction, for years has always been in chaos, especially during the road works.
And Kottarakkara badly needs a bypass.

True, Kottarakkara badly needs a bypass. This bypass should be well planned. It should not be bypass just 3 or 4 Kms. It should be planned in such a way that the town gets an excellent semi-circular ring road.

Kottarakkara Bypass road is very much required for the development of Kollam district as Kottrarakkara lies more at the centre of the district. This will help the development of Kottrakkara town and entire district.

^^
The main bottlenecks in this stretch i believe are Karette and Ayur junctions.
Karette requires a signal and Ayur junction, for years has always been in chaos, especially during the road works.
And Kottarakkara badly needs a bypass.

Absolutely, MC road has a major role in connecting interior, eastern, and central Kollam to the state capital. Infact, my friend from Anchal - Kottukal told me that though Anchal is only 35 - 40 Kms frm Kollam city it takes 1.5 hrs or more to reach Kollam through the Anchal - Ayur - Ithikkara/Kannanlore - Ayathil - Chinnkada or even the Anchal - Kundara - Anchalumoodu - High School Junction - Chinnakkada.

But it may take only an hour or so to reach Kesavadaspuram in TVM through the MC road.

People in the eastern part of the district go to Chengannur to catch train for long ditance trips rather than Kollam junction due to the same reason. This helps then in saving time and money and can avoid the traffic congestion in Kollam city, Kundara, and Kottarakkara.

They can save an hour or so if they go to catch the Bangalore bound Island express as it leaves Kollam By 2:15 Pm while it leaves Chengannur only after 4 PM.

Actually the MC road stretch in Kollam district south of Kottarakkara is really good and you can have a hassle free ride always. The width in the Venjaramoodu-Kottarakkara stretch is more or less similar to the present width of NH 66 with a little lesser traffic density.
The road works under KSTP project were dragging on for a long while with the contract being given to new firm after firm(a contractor of a Malaysian company even commited suicide)
but finally, the road is really good with rock solid tarring..:)
I dont think MC road can be merged with the present NH 544 because MC road meets NH 544 at Amgamali. The total length of MC road(Kesavadasapuram to Angamali) is 235 km.

MC road has been strategically very important for Kollam district, running right through its centre. Actially because of MC road, places in central and Eastern Kollam district have better connectivity and accessibility to Trivandrum rather than Kollam..:)

But I think it should touch Nemon than Kochuveli and that gives a better connectivity for the TVM suburban areas and avoid the already congested Kochuveli - TVM central route. Moreover MEMUs can be run in this stretch as well. Like Nemom - KTR - Kollam circular.

Nemon station can de developed only in this way. This alignment will give connectivity to Nedumangad as well. Will the other alignment gives connectivity for Nedumangad?

In TVM, the line will go through Venjaramoodu - Kazhakootam MC Road Bypass connecting ti Kochuveli and not through core city.

KTR should become a Junction railway station. If this line is realized, the development of Kottarakkara will get a fillip and can act as a satellite station for Kollam Junction for long distance trains passing through that TVM - KTR-CGNR-ERS route.

But how long we have to wait for the line to be realized is the major question mark? Moreover, land acquisition in TVM city will also be a problem if it has to touch TVM central.

TVM -KTR-CGNR railway line study completed. Awaiting financial report, says Aryadan. Looks like KTR will become a junction railway station.