Overview
- The cabinet formally decided to end the 529–530 km SilverLine (K‑Rail) project on Wednesday and has ordered denotification of land‑acquisition notices and removal of the yellow survey markers placed along the proposed alignment.
- Satheesan said the project lacked a proper detailed project report, posed environmental risks such as long elevated embankments that could disrupt hydrology during monsoons, and was not financially viable, and he noted the Union Railway Board had not given final approval.
- The state will ask the Home Department to review criminal cases filed during protests and recommend withdrawals to courts where appropriate, a move meant to clear legal records for people who opposed the project.
- SilverLine had been planned as a standard‑gauge, semi‑high‑speed corridor promoted by K‑Rail with an estimated cost near Rs 64,000 crore and land needs of roughly 1,200–1,383 hectares, figures that critics said risked large‑scale displacement and debt pressure on the state.
- The UDF government says it remains open to alternative rail solutions that fit Kerala’s geography and finances, including RRTS or upgrades to the existing network, and will review KIIFB obligations and other financial commitments connected to the shelved project.