What alternative rail plan is Kerala govt considering after scrapping SilverLine?
Thiruvananthapuram: The United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan has formally scrapped Kerala’s contentious SilverLine project and is now considering an alternative broad-gauge high-speed rail corridor, opening the way for a fresh political and infrastructure debate in the State.
The decision is significant as Satheesan, during his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, led one of the strongest political campaigns against the Rs 63,000 crore SilverLine project, both inside the Kerala Assembly and through statewide protests.
The earlier project had triggered widespread opposition over land acquisition, environmental concerns and fears of displacement, particularly after the previous Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led government installed controversial yellow survey stones across multiple districts.
During the agitation, Satheesan had repeatedly stated that a future UDF government would scrap what he described as a financially unviable and environmentally damaging project.
The campaign also saw strong opposition from Metro Man E. Sreedharan, who criticised the SilverLine model and raised concerns over the decision to adopt standard gauge instead of the Indian Railways-compatible broad gauge system.
New proposal based on broad-gauge semi-high-speed corridor
With the UDF now in office, the government has begun drafting a new proposal aligned with Railway Ministry policies.
The plan envisions a broad-gauge semi-high-speed rail corridor designed to carry both passenger trains, including Vande Bharat Express services, and freight traffic.
The proposed line is expected to cover the 580-km stretch between Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod in around four-and-a-half hours, with trains capable of running at speeds of up to 160 kmph.
Authorities are also examining a predominantly elevated alignment on pillars in an effort to reduce land acquisition requirements and minimise environmental impact.
Officials have indicated that the State will seek direct guidance from E. Sreedharan before moving the proposal to the Railway Ministry for approvals and technical consultation.
A fresh feasibility study is expected to begin shortly.
Stone removal ordered, freight integration planned
Revenue Minister A. P. Anil Kumar has ordered the removal of around 8,000 yellow boundary stones installed during the SilverLine land acquisition process, at an estimated cost of Rs 1.62 crore.
Landowners are also set to be formally informed that acquisition proceedings have been cancelled.
The proposed corridor is expected to integrate with the existing railway network at regular intervals and may include Roll-on/Roll-off freight systems linked to the Vizhinjam International Seaport, potentially supporting cargo movement and industrial activity.
Political observers are now closely watching how the Left Democratic Front (LDF) opposition, led by Pinarayi Vijayan, responds, as the project previously supported by the Left has now been dismantled by the government that had come to power opposing it.