A Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) will be formed for new rail lines and high-speed rail connectivity.
What’s it about? The state government will form an SPV through Tamilnadu Industrial Development Corporation Limited (TIDCO) with the railways to introduce semi-high-speed and high-speed rail connectivity. Last year, the government said it would partner with the railways for high-speed and freight corridors to increase travel times.
- A tender has been floated to identify routes, stations, and proposed costs for a dedicated freight corridor and high-speed routes. An SPV will help accelerate new railway projects, including last-mile connectivity.
- The Chennai Metro is already studying the feasibility of AC suburban trains on the Beach-Tambaram-Chengalpet route. The Chennai Metropolitan Development Authority (CMDA) will lay a fourth line between Chengalpet and Tambaram.
Who said what? One official said high-speed and semi-high-speed connectivity is better, cost-effective, and the greener option. Pandia Raja of the zonal rail users consultative committee said an SPV would lead to better coordination in identifying routes and completing the projects faster.