Thiruvananthapuram, May 20: The cabinet led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has initiated the formal process to cancel the controversial Silver Line semi-high-speed rail project shortly after taking office. The government announced the cancellation of all land acquisition notifications issued for this project across Kerala.
Addressing the media after the second cabinet meeting, Chief Minister Satheesan confirmed that all land acquisition procedures related to the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Silver Line corridor have been officially revoked. This move is seen as a significant and dramatic reversal of one of the previous Left government’s flagship projects.
“We have opposed this project from the beginning. Now, the notifications for the land earmarked for acquisition have been canceled,” the Chief Minister stated.
In a significant relief for protesters against the Silver Line project, Satheesan also announced that all criminal cases filed against them would be withdrawn, and the government would initiate the necessary legal processes in court.
Additionally, he mentioned that the controversial yellow survey stones placed on private properties during the previous government’s survey would also be removed.
Satheesan emphasized that the project posed a potential disaster for the environment, asserting that his government supports development initiatives that do not harm people or ecology.
The cabinet also decided to recommend to the Kerala Public Service Commission (KPSC) that all rank lists expiring on August 31 be extended until November 30, benefiting thousands of job applicants.
The Chief Minister revealed that the UDF’s election manifesto would be circulated across all departments to prepare an implementation roadmap under the government’s long-term “Vision 2031” plan. A 100-day action plan focusing on immediately actionable promises will also be released soon.
He indicated that a review of ongoing national highway construction projects in Kerala would be conducted, and all aspects related to the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board would be examined.
Responding to criticism regarding his name, the Chief Minister stated that there should be no objection to using his father’s name, adding that he also wished to include his mother’s name. He clarified that both of his parents had passed away before he became a minister.
Regarding criticism over meetings with religious and community leaders, he affirmed his commitment to maintaining harmonious relations with all groups while not compromising on secular values.
Dismissing accusations of delays in departmental allocations, he stated that the departments were finalized on the night of the oath-taking and were formally handed over to Governor Rajendra Vishwanath Arlekar on Wednesday.
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