Centre rejects DPR for Kerala's SilverLine Project, cites technical deficiencies

Thiruvananthapuram: In a major setback for Kerala, the Ministry of Railways has rejected the Detailed Project Report (DPR) submitted by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation (K-Rail) for the SilverLine project, citing technical deficiencies.

The ministry, after conducting a detailed technical review, identified several shortcomings and directed K-Rail to revise the DPR in accordance with railway guidelines.

Responding to a query raised by MP Kodikunnil Suresh in Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav said "There are many deficiencies in the DPR. Therefore, Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited (KRDCL) has been advised by Southern Railway to address those deficiencies and prepare a revised DPR as per the latest technical standards such as adoption of Broad Gauge, integration with existing IR network at suitable points, flatter ruling gradient, provision of KAVACH, electrification with 2x25 kV, proper drainage scheme for yards and sections, addressing environmental concerns during construction and operation etc. The project is not yet sanctioned."

Key Directives from the Railway Ministry:

• The SilverLine track must be designed as a broad-gauge system.
• The proposed tracks must be integrated with the existing railway network.
• The state cannot independently determine the route alignment; the tracks should align as closely as possible with existing railway lines.
• To prevent collisions, the proposal must incorporate Kavach safety technology in the design of the coaches.
• The project must obtain full environmental clearance before proceeding.
• A comprehensive drainage system is required both during the construction phase and after project completion.

The directive comes as a setback to the Kerala government, which has been advocating for the ambitious semi-high-speed rail project. The state will now need to address these concerns and resubmit the proposal for approval.