Kochi: The agency that conducts social impact assessment survey for the SilverLine semi high-speed rail project has requested the government to extend the deadline in the wake of the mounting protests. The Kerala Voluntary Health Services said in a letter to the revenue department through the district Collectors that the stone laying can be completed by mid-May if time is extended. It was expected to be completed by April first week.

Voluntary Health Services is conducting the study in Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Thrissur, Kannur and Kasaragod districts. Among this, study in Kollam, Kannur and Kasaragod was supposed to be completed by now. But it did not happen.

Meanwhile, the study in Ernakulam, Alappuzha and Pathanamthitta districts has been stalled temporarily by Rajagiri College of Science which isconducting the survey in these districts.