Centre Reconsiders Kerala’s Frozen Silver Line Project; Railway Board Urges Talks on Land Acquisition

The Kerala state government’s frozen Silver Line project, which had faced intense protests and opposition, seems to be back in consideration, with indications suggesting that the Centre is reviewing the initiative. The Railway Board has directed the General Manager of Southern Railway to engage in immediate discussions with the K-Rail Corporation and provide a detailed opinion on the acquisition of railway land. This move comes in response to the state’s persistent pressure.

A letter from Board Director FA Ahmed emphasized the urgency of the matter. Once the General Manager of Southern Railway submits a reply, the Ministry of Railways will present its stance in an upcoming parliamentary committee meeting. The state has recently intensified efforts to gain approval for the Silver Line project, a development previously reported by ‘Kerala Kaumudi.’

On October 21, the Southern Railway informed the Railway Board about the proposed acquisition of railway land, buildings, and crossings. The Board has instructed them to promptly provide a detailed opinion after discussing the related issues with K-Rail. A similar recommendation was made on October 18, urging talks between Southern Railway and K-Rail, but this did not materialize. The renewed proposal follows K-Rail’s submission of a report without comments.

The land acquisition plan involves 108 hectares of railway land across nine districts, information that was provided by K-Rail a year ago but was not forwarded to the Railway Board by Southern Railway. The state government is pushing for a joint survey of the railway land, with Kerala’s special representative in Delhi, KV Thomas, leading the negotiations.

In response, the strike committee has vowed to launch a strong agitation if the Silver Line project proceeds. They insist that the Southern Railway must inform the Board that the project hinders future railway development and is financially burdensome for Kerala. The committee’s demand is for the scheme to be withdrawn to prevent further wasteful expenditure.

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