Kerala explores Regional Rapid Transit as SilverLine approval remains uncertain
Ahead of the elections, the state government continues to maintain hope that approval may be granted for one of its high-speed rail initiatives, including the SilverLine, the now-announced Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), or the semi-high-speed Thiruvananthapuram–Kannur project proposed by E Sreedharan.
Despite criticism from ministers over Sreedharan’s project and his opening of an office to promote it, the government has decided that if central approval is granted, the plan will not be dismissed. When MPs asked the central Railway Minister about Sreedharan’s proposal, he did not provide a clear answer but neither rejected it, signalling an opportunity for the state government. Sreedharan continues to push for his project, and the state maintains that there is no reason to dismiss it.
The Kerala government has long advocated for the SilverLine, but the central authorities have outlined specific requirements for the project, including the use of broad gauge and integration with other railway networks. This implies that the Detailed Project Report (DPR) would need revision.
However, K-Rail MD V Ajith Kumar noted that the state’s original plan envisioned an independent semi-high-speed route on standard gauge and that no new directives have been issued regarding modifications.
While the Centre has not rejected the SilverLine, senior officials in the state transport ministry acknowledged that approval is unlikely to be straightforward. This has led the state to consider pursuing the RRTS instead. The RRTS project falls under the central Ministry of Urban Affairs, and the state transport department recently held discussions with the National Regional Transport Corporation, which has prior experience in implementing such projects.
Expert advice received by the government indicates that securing approval for the RRTS would be relatively easier. It is in this context that the Chief Minister has written to the Ministry of Urban Affairs.