New Delhi: The Union Government has effectively shelved the long-pending railway coach factory project at Kanjikode in Palakkad, with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw confirming in the Rajya Sabha that the proposal is no longer under consideration.

Responding in writing to a question raised by CPM MP John Brittas, the Minister explained that existing manufacturing facilities across the country, combined with already sanctioned units, are adequate to meet India's future rail demands.

The Minister added that the 228 acres of land originally acquired for the Kanjikode plant will now be redirected towards other future requirements of the Railways.

Addressing another query from MP John Brittas, Minister Vaishnaw informed the House that the Kerala Government has opted against moving forward with either the SilverLine semi-high-speed rail initiative or the high-speed rail corridor designed by E Sreedharan.

Amid continuous protests and disruptions by Opposition members, the Rajya Sabha passed the MSME Bill before ending proceedings for the day.