No permission for SilverLine, K-Rail is responsible for spending money; Centre clarifies its stance

KOCHI: Union Ministry of Railways has reiterated that the Centre has not given permission for the SilverLine project. The Assistant Solicitor General explained the central government's stance against the project in a reply filed on behalf of the Union Ministry of Railways in the Kerala High Court. The Centre also said that it was immature to conduct a survey and social impact study for the project without permission. The Centre told the court that K-Rail was responsible for spending money for the survey and social impact study.

According to the report, K-Rail Corporation is an independent company and although Railways has a stake in this entity, the central government does not interfere in the day-to-day operations of such companies. The Centre also clarified that if the state government takes steps according to the law regarding the land acquisition for the SilverLine, it is not possible for the central government to interfere in it.