Enhancing air connectivity mooted as alternative for Kerala semi-high-speed rail project
While the proposed semi high-speed rail project of Kerala is facing stiff resistance from various quarters, an alternative proposal of enhancing domestic air connectivity by setting up airstrips is gaining steam in the southern state.
Against the 530-kilometre rail project, enhancing air connectivity may involve lower financial obligations, less land acquisition and low ecological impacts. But, the higher travel cost and low ridership factors are cited by experts as drawbacks of considering air travel as an alternative to the rail project.
Kerala had earlier mooted a project for setting up a state government-owned airline, named Air Kerala, with the objective of offering low-cost connectivity to Gulf countries to cater to the large non-resident Indian population.
