THE Kerala government recently proposed a transportation project called "SilverLine Rail Project” that connects south and north Kerala. The project is also called “semi high-speed rail project” with an operating speed of 200 kmph. The rail is designed in “standard gauge" technology and will act as a standalone track. The proposed project highlights reduced travel time, low-carbon emission, connectivity with airports and faster economic growth as the major benefits. However, there are three major concerns on the economic, social and environmental fronts.
The Union Minister for Railways, Ashwini Vaishnaw, stated that the environmental impact caused by the SilverLine project in Kerala is a matter of concern. The minister was replying to the question raised by Hibi Eden (INC) in the Lok Sabha. The minister stated that the final approval will be granted only after conducting a detailed technological and financial feasibility study of the project. As Kerala experiences the threats of floods, the union government shall approve the project only after analysing the environmental footprint of SilverLine in the state, demanded Eden. The detailed project report does not imply that the Railways has acquired land for the project. The ministry will consider whether the state has acquired sufficient technology for the SilverLine and the condition of the land. The expenses of the project also have to be evaluated.
When Eden alleged that the survey stones are being laid for a project that has not acquired the final approval yet, the minister replied that he has no comments over it as it is a usual procedure carried out by the state governments.
Kerala's Silver Line Project, a 529.45-km rail corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod with an operating speed of 200 kmph, was meant to ease transport between the northern and southern parts of the state. Instead, it has now become a flashpoint for controversies.
This story is from the April 4, 2022 edition of India Legal.
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This story is from the April 4, 2022 edition of India Legal.
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