Silver line project resuscitated

Doing certain work needs talent, effort, money and patience. Nobody has ever completed a work without dropping a sweat or fighting obstacles. Emerging successfully from obstacles makes the victory merrier. In Kerala, it has turned into a trend for any development project to face the wrath of politicians. The Vizhinjam project was conceptualized a quarter of a century ago but was kept on the sidelines following political roadblocks. The Nedumbassery Airport project is no different. Those who opposed it later became its beneficiaries.

The same is the case with the Silver Line project, the touted high-speed railway network said to connect the two ends of Kerala. Except for the ruling party, all opposition parties are vehemently against it. It evokes no surprise as this happened in the same state where the politicians once hoodwinked the masses with stories of the state being cut into half if the state is to welcome an express highway.

When it came to Vande Bharat trains, some contrarian voices in Kerala remarked that the spotlight over the new elite train would only last for one week. And now, after a year, Kerala ranks one among the best in terms of occupancy rate for Vande Bharat trains across the country. Stills sticking to the norms of the bygone era shows the redundancy of one's thinking. The newer generation demands faster connectivity between states as time remains precious for all. This also brings up the pertinent need for Silver Line trains in Kerala. Central Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw hinted that he would consider approving the Silver Line project if the technical and environmental issues are resolved.

The minister mentioned that the project document should be updated as per the requirements of the railways. The state has also given a yes nod. Last week, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan visited the Railway Minister in Delhi to seek permission for the project. Graver the obstacle, poorer the negotiation. A good talk can do wonders and CM Pinarayi Vijayan-led government has thus hit the right note with the central government for the prized Silver Line project.

A project which is very beneficial for Kerala should not be sabotaged in the name of politics. The Railway Minister said that he is committed to making the Sabari railway a reality which assures some exciting times ahead in Kerala.