Thiruvananthapuram, May 29: Metro Man E. Sreedharan met with Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan at the Secretariat on Friday to discuss the proposed alternative high-speed rail corridor for the state. This meeting marks a significant step in reshaping Kerala’s high-speed rail projects.
The discussion is crucial as the UDF government is reportedly considering Sreedharan’s alternative route proposal instead of the controversial K-Rail Silverline project envisioned by the previous Pinarayi Vijayan administration.
Sources indicate that the Chief Minister responded positively to the proposal, primarily due to its requirement for significantly less land acquisition compared to the original Silverline project. This is particularly relevant given the widespread protests against land acquisition across Kerala.
Sreedharan proposed an ambitious 430-kilometer high-speed rail corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kannur, with nearly three-quarters of the route planned as elevated tracks. Some sections will be underground, minimizing displacement and environmental impact.
The estimated cost of this project is around ₹1 lakh crore. During the meeting, Sreedharan submitted an interim report on the project to the Chief Minister. Ponnani MLA K.P. Naushad Ali also participated in the discussions.
The government has decided to hold further consultations before making a final decision. According to sources, Chief Minister Satheesan informed Sreedharan that the official stance of the government will be announced within two weeks.
The proposed corridor is expected to connect Kerala’s four major airports and is being presented as a modern high-speed transport option for the state. Sreedharan has already expressed his willingness to collaborate with the government to develop the project in detail.
Immediately after taking office, the Satheesan government formally canceled the K-Rail Silverline project connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod. However, the Chief Minister emphasized the need for a modern high-speed transport system in Kerala and stated that alternative models would be considered after thorough studies. Sreedharan’s proposal now appears to be at the forefront of this search.
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