Kerala to go ahead with Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Semi High Speed Rail Project

Kochi, India (Urban Transport News): In a definitive stance, Kerala's Finance Minister, K N Balagopal, clarified the state government's commitment to proceed with the Silver Line project in the Budget speech for 2024-25. The semi-high-speed rail initiative by K-Rail had faced uncertainty, with Union Rail Minister Aswini Vyshnav expressing concerns about the state government's position.

Addressing the confusion, Balagopal affirmed the state's dedication to the Silver Line project, emphasizing its importance as a semi-high-speed rail initiative. He countered accusations from the Union Rail Minister, stating that the project aligns with the current needs and priorities. The Finance Minister assured that the state government would engage in detailed discussions with the Union government regarding the project's implementation.

The Silver Line Project, a flagship infrastructure development under the LDF government, envisions the creation of a greenfield semi-high-speed rail corridor spanning from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod.

Balagopal underscored the imperative nature of the semi-high-speed line, signaling the state's unwavering commitment to advancing railway development. He pledged that the government would proactively pursue the completion of various railway development projects within specified timelines.

The 529.45 km Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Semi High Speed Rail Corridor (SilverLine) begins at Kochuveli, near Thiruvananthapuram airport, in Thiruvananthapuram District, and runs through the districts of Kollam, Alappuzha, Kottayam, Ernakulam, Thrissur, Malappuram, Kozhikode and Kannur before entering Kasaragod District. Out of the eleven stations across Kerala, three of them –Thiruvananthapuram, Ernakulam and Thrissur — would be elevated ones while Kannur would have an underground station.

As Kerala moves forward with its ambitious plans for enhanced rail connectivity, the affirmation of the Silver Line project in the budget reiterates the state's determination to modernize and expand its transportation infrastructure.