UDF government officially scraps controversial K-Rail SilverLine project; freezes land acquisition and withdraws protest cases

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The newly elected United Democratic Front (UDF) government has decided to completely abandon the controversial K-Rail SilverLine project. The semi-high-speed rail corridor was aggressively pursued by the previous Pinarayi Vijayan-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) government through administrative force, despite massive public backlash and protests from thousands of citizens. Following the announcement, citizens took to the streets across the state to celebrate the decision. While the previous LDF administration had temporarily paused the project due to intense public resistance, they had consistently refused to officially withdraw it.

In a cabinet meeting held yesterday, the government froze all land acquisition notifications issued for the project. Revenue authorities have been directed to remove the thousands of yellow boundary stones installed across the state, effectively restoring full property rights and freedom to the landowners.

Speaking at a press conference after the cabinet meeting, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan stated that the decision was driven by the severe hardships faced by ordinary citizens, who had been unable to sell, mortgage, or utilise their properties since the land acquisition orders were first implemented.

Withdrawal of cases and retention of K-Rail Corp

The Chief Minister announced that the government will seek court approval to withdraw over 250 cases registered against more than 1,000 individuals who protested the installation of the boundary pillars. The previous LDF administration had refused to drop these charges, even after the High Court observed that withdrawing the cases would provide significant relief to the public. However, K-Rail, the joint venture company formed to implement the project, will not be disbanded and will be retained.

This marks the second major populist decision taken by the UDF government since assuming power on Monday. The administration's initial decisions involved hiking the wages of ASHA workers and approving free public transit travel for women.

Public distress and ₹60 crore financial loss

The land acquisition process, which began in January 2020, inflicted significant financial and emotional distress on the public:

• Wasted Expenditure: Over ₹60 crore spent on the project has gone to waste. This includes the cost of installing nearly 7,000 yellow boundary stones across a 197-kilometre stretch spanning 11 districts from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram.
• Economic Stagnation for Landowners: Affected residents faced severe financial distress as banks denied loans against marked properties, real estate transactions were completely halted, and local self-government bodies withheld construction permits on the designated land.
• Legal Action Against Protesters: Cases were slapped against over a thousand protestors under charges of obstructing public servants, unlawful assembly, and violating COVID-19 protocols.
• Financial Penalties: In Angamaly, five protestors seeking bail were forced to deposit ₹25,000, while numerous others received notices demanding fines ranging from ₹5,000 to ₹10,000.

Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan concluded by noting that the government remains open to considering a high-speed rail corridor in the future, provided it can be executed seamlessly without causing hardships to the public.