SilverLine Project: E Sreedharan pushes for complete overhaul in report handed to Kerala CM

Thiruvananthapuram: To address issues pertaining to the implementation of the highly ambitious SilverLine Project in Kerala, Metro Man E. Sreedharan has submitted a report to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. 

Former minister KV Thomas, the official representative of the Kerala Government in New Delhi, handed over the report to the chief minister. The much-delayed project of the LDF Government is expecting a revival following a brief meeting with E Sreedharan and KV Thomas on Monday. 

Sreedharan proposed that the government initially establish a semi-high-speed rail before upgrading to a high-speed train. At present, the proposed SilverLine cannot be integrated with the Indian Railway network. Only if SilverLine uses a broad-gauge system would this be achievable. Furthermore, if the Highspeed project is extended outside of the state, encompassing Mangaluru, the project would be feasible, he pointed out in the report. 

Meanwhile, KV Thomas argued that SilverLine Project could only be implemented with the support of the Centre. He confirmed that Sreedharan's report is currently before the CM's office and the state government will make future decisions on it.