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Kottayam: The Railway Board has reiterated its stance on SilverLine project by stating that technical details are insufficient in DPR and the approval can be given only after reviewing both financial feasibility and technical details. The explanation from the Railways comes in response to a RTI query.
The Board made it clear that it has directed the project implementing agency K-Rail to provide alignment plan, land to be acquired for the project (both Railway and private parties) and the crossing details on the existing railway line. It has intimated the authorities concerned to study the feasibility of the project and estimate the possible loss to be incurred by the Railways.
Priority will be given to know more about the technical details. After that, matters including financial expenses, will be reviewed.
As the project is estimated to cross Rs 1000 crore-mark, the approval of cabinet committee for financial matters will be required.
At present, K-Rail has not intimated the Board regarding plan to initiate development activities in Railways’ 2,500-acre land. According to project deputy director, that can be looked upon only after receiving the nod.
According to DPR, displacing the existing railway lines and stations will be required in many places. Meanwhile, NITI Aayog in its review has already hinted that the probable issues due to construction of concrete base for fixing the line, may cost crores.
Commenting over the matter, K-Rail MD V Ajith Kumar maintains that the Board has not intimated them regarding any technical issues with the DPR. He informed that all those documents sought by the Board will be provided. The Board has sought details regarding the land and after surveys and studies the same can be provided, he informed.
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