V D Satheesan | Photo: B Muralikrishnan
Thiruvananthapuram: Opposition leader VD Satheesan has expressed shock over the revelations made by Dr Alok Kumar Varma who headed first feasibility study of K-Rail project. Criticising the project, he demanded the government to step back from it as soon as possible.
In an interview with Mathrubhumi News, Dr Kumar who headed the feasibility study conducted by Systra MVA Consulting India Pvt Ltd revealed that a Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the much-touted K-Rail project is a fabricated one. He alleged that the authorities concerned has manipulated aerial LiDAR survey data. Referring to an RTI revelation, he said that Southern Railways has flagged cherry-picking of locations for collecting samples.
He pointed out that DPR should be published, Final Location Survey need to be conducted and alignment should be marked properly. Kumar also said that there is no reliable estimate about the cost of the project. According to him, the project will cost over Rs1 lakh crore.
Satheesan referring to Kumar’s revelations claimed that his comments is in tandem with concerns raised by the Opposition in Assembly. He alleged that the government is misleading the public by making false propagations on the project.
While addressing the media, Satheesan also demanded the resignation of Higher Education minister R Bindhu over vice-chancellor appointment row in Kannur University. He also added that she violated her oath of office.
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