Thiruvananthapuram, May 22: The United Democratic Front (UDF) government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, has officially scrapped the controversial SilverLine project. The government is now considering an alternative broad-gauge high-speed rail corridor, igniting significant political and infrastructure debates in the state.
This decision is pivotal, as Satheesan previously led one of Kerala’s largest political campaigns against the ₹63,000 crore SilverLine project during his tenure as opposition leader. He vocally opposed the project both in the assembly and on the streets.
The SilverLine project faced massive protests due to land acquisition issues, environmental concerns, and fears of displacement. These protests intensified when the former Communist Party of India-Marxist (CPI-M) government began placing contentious yellow survey stones in various districts.
Throughout the movement, V.D. Satheesan repeatedly promised that a future UDF government would cancel the project, which he deemed economically unfeasible and environmentally damaging.
The campaign also drew sharp criticism from E. Sreedharan, known as the ‘Metro Man.’ He opposed the SilverLine model and questioned the decision to adopt a ‘standard gauge’ system instead of the Indian Railways’ preferred broad-gauge system.
Now in power, the UDF government has started drafting a new proposal in line with the rail ministry’s policies. The new plan envisions a broad-gauge semi-high-speed rail corridor capable of handling both passenger services, including Vande Bharat Express trains, and freight.
The proposed corridor is expected to cover the 580 kilometers from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod in approximately four and a half hours, with trains operating at speeds of up to 160 kilometers per hour.
To minimize land acquisition and environmental impact, the government is also considering an ‘elevated alignment’ that would involve constructing a significant portion of the corridor on pillars.
Officials have indicated that before seeking approval and technical assistance from the rail ministry, the state government will consult directly with Sreedharan for guidance.
A new feasibility study is expected to commence soon. Meanwhile, Revenue Minister A.P. Anil Kumar has ordered the removal of nearly 8,000 yellow boundary stones placed during the SilverLine land acquisition process, which reportedly cost around ₹1.62 crore. Landowners will also be formally notified that the land acquisition process has been canceled.
The proposed corridor is anticipated to connect regularly with the existing railway network and may include a ‘roll-on/roll-off’ freight system linked to the Vizhinjam International Port, potentially boosting cargo logistics and industrial development significantly.
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