Silverline: Railway firm to renew project document; Delhi-based RITES in charge

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The railways' own establishment will be entrusted with the task of revising the project document by correcting the errors pointed out by the Ministry of Railways on the Thiruvananthapuram-Kasargod Silver Line. The government has decided to appoint Delhi-based Rail India Technical and Economic Services Limited (RITES). Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw had made it clear that permission for the Silver Line could be considered if technical and environmental issues were resolved.

At present, there is only approval in-principle. The first objective is to get the DPR approved by the railways. Permissions from the Finance Ministry should also be obtained.

The NITI Aayog, which examined the current project document, had raised doubts as to whether the amount of Rs 63,941 crore was less than that of other high-speed routes. K-Rail had sought the services of RITES to respond at that time. Niti Aayog, which approved it, had recommended foreign loans, K-Rail said.

Should be a suitable path for Vande Bharat Service

The railways have forwarded the errors and remedial suggestions to K-Rail.

1. The track should be made broad gauge to run the Railways' Vande Bharat and goods trains. The current design has standard tracks.
2. Environmental issues, including waterlogging, should be completely avoided. If the Silver Line has a speed of 200 kmph, the railways proposes a speed of at least 180 kmph. The national policy of making speed tracks should be followed.

Alignment will change; Costs will increase

• The new alignment will not affect the development of the railways.
• A longer distance of pillars (elevated) to avoid waterlogging. At present, it is only 88 km. The cost will increase.
• Strong tracks should be built to run high-speed freight trains. This will also increase the cost. Model: Delhi-Kolkata Freight Corridor.

K-Rail expects Rs 77,800 crore for new project