CMRL Appoints Balaji Railroad Systems to Study High-Speed Rail Corridors in Tamil Nadu

As a contribution towards carrying out the feasibility studies of three Balaji corridors for high-speed rail corridors between Chennai, Coimbatore, and major towns in Tamil Nadu, Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) named Balaji Railroad Systems Ltd (BARSYL).

These corridors fall into the context of a much bigger vision where a regional rapid-transit system that is intended to bear travel speeds of 160-200 km/h or more will develop:=expected: be introduced.. When implemented, the system should permit travel times from major urban centers to regional hubs of about 30:60 minutes, an alternative that’s promising both very-high-speed, time-saving convenience to daily commuters and intercity travelers.

The deal is marked by the signing of T. Archunan, Director (Projects), CMRL, and M Robert Rajasekaran, General Manager – Projects (South) of BARSYL, in the presence of senior officials of CMRL.

The feasibility studies will include the definition of the scope of the project, technical specifications, and the best possible route alignment. This will create the basis for what could be Tamil Nadu’s first dedicated high-speed rail infrastructure, auguring well for strengthening the transport ecosystem in the state alone and, thus, promoting sustainable mobility.

Officials point out that the undertaking is a primary step toward progressive planning, investment and execution, which will tie the proposed high-speed network with future urban development and mobility needs.

This would certainly be a major step forward towards fast, modern public transport in Tamil Nadu. If realized, most of the high-speed corridors would decongest highways and reduce vehicular emissions, even more importantly for the region, boost economic and social integration.