Kottayam: With Southern Railway now refusing to give up its land for the SilverLine project, the K-Rail officials concerned have said that Railway officials were very well aware of the studies being conducted and about the detailed project report being prepared for the cause. The claims were made in response to the report submitted by the Southern Railway to the Railway Board on October 21 citing that they are unwilling to allot lands for the proposed project.

As per the instructions of the board, Railway division managers of Palakkad and Thiruvananthapuram have held discussions with the K Rail officials on the issue. While the discussion in the Palakkad division happened on November 29, the meeting was held in the Thiruvananthapuram division on December 7 last year. K Rail has now submitted its response after these discussions.

After conducting holistic surveys and inspections, it was identified that 185 hectares of Railway land would be required for the proposed SilverLine Project. 

However, the South Railway has now raised an objection saying that giving up its land would dearly affect its future development projects.    

In its detailed response, K-Rail has made the following observations:

  • The SilverLine alignment is done in such a way that it would not affect the Railway development projects. The SilverLine tracks would be laid at least 7.8 metres away from the existing tracks.
  • The conditions that shall be met when the existing tracks are converted into four-lane tracks have been inducted in the K-Rail DPR.    
  • In order to avoid mass eviction of people and properties, the Kozhikode SilverLine will be passing through the Elathur substation. The expenses of the new substation will be taken care of by K Rail and its construction will by no means affect the current services.
  • The gauge, design speed, and operating speed have been approved by the Railway Ministry. 
  • Facilities including escalators will be set up in the station premises for crossing the tracks which will be barricaded on either side.
  • The SilverLine will operate in tandem with the existing railway lines.
  • It should be noted that the Railway had approved the master plan for the renovation works at the Kozhikode railway station recently. Meanwhile, the final design for the K Rail in place has been done in such a way that it does not affect the parking, entry, and exit facilities at the station.
  • Changes will be made to alignment as per the approved renovation works at the Kannur railway station.
  • The SilverLIne Ro-Ro station in West Hill will be set up close to the existing platform for goods trains. There will be overbridges on the northern and southern sides. There won't be obstructions in moving from the platform to the goods shed.         
  • Maximum care has been taken not to disturb the railway buildings In case, the staff quarters are to be brought down, alternate facilities will be provided very well in advance.