Kerala Opposes Indian Railways’ Plan To Modify SilverLine, Insists On Exclusive High-Speed Corridor: Report

The Kerala government has reportedly rejected Indian Railways’ proposal to modify the Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the SilverLine corridor to accommodate other trains, such as Vande Bharat.

In response to the proposal, the Kerala Rail Development Corporation (K-Rail) has reiterated that the SilverLine is envisioned as a dedicated, high-speed rail corridor, designed for the swift and frequent movement of passengers within the state, The New Indian Express reported.

Kerala has asserted that the SilverLine should remain a standalone, exclusive high-speed rail network for intercity travel.

Contrary to the Railways' suggestion, the state has also emphasised that the project should adopt a standard gauge rather than a broad gauge system.

However, the government has indicated a willingness to make minor alterations to the DPR if necessary, to address concerns regarding land-sharing with Indian Railways. Additionally, any technical or environmental challenges highlighted in the DPR can be addressed accordingly.

Clarifying its stance, K-Rail Managing Director V Ajith Kumar reportedly stated in a letter to the Chief Administrative Office of Southern Railway, "It is not just two additional rail lines to supplement current rail lines. The current modifications proposed by Southern Railway, if included, will take away key elements like dedicated exclusive corridor and speed. It will be against the fundamental purpose for which the SilverLine was proposed in the first place."

K-Rail has further emphasised that the SilverLine project aligns with the Railway Board’s policy for high-speed corridors above 160 kmph, which necessitates an exclusive track.

The Corporation also pointed out that various high-speed and semi-high-speed rail projects across India are already being developed on standard gauge.

The SilverLine project involves the construction of a 529.45-kilometre-long semi-high speed rail corridor connecting the northern-most Kasaragod district with the state’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, in the south, and running “semi-high-speed trains” at an operating speed of 200 kmph.

The corridor is to pass through 11 of the 14 districts of Kerala and will be implemented by the Kerala Rail Development Corporation (K-Rail), a joint venture between the Ministry of Railways and the Kerala government.

Read More: E Sreedharan Proposes Revamp Of Kerala’s SilverLine Project with DMRC, Advocates Elevated High-Speed Rail For Minimal Land Disruption