THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The fourth budget presented by Nirmala Sitharaman did not contain any announcement regarding the SilverLine project, Kerala's dream project. According to sources, the project was not included in the budget as it was in its initial phase. Earlier, the Centre had said that the project had not yet received approvals from the various ministries, including the Ministry of Environment. Despite the controversy, the state had hoped that an announcement would be made regarding the project in the Union Budget.

However, the Union budget shattered the state's hope as it did not consider the SilverLine project as a continuation of the railway development. With this, the government is worried that the state will have to bear the entire cost of the project. Earlier, it was reported that the Indian Railways had assured the government and the K-Rail that it would pay its share if the finance ministry allots money. Since no special funds or additional funds have been set aside for transport projects in the state, the state cannot utilize that money for the SilverLine project.

With the opposition in the state unanimously opposing the K-Rail project, the Centre's decision is likely to pose a challenge to the state government in the coming days. Apart from K-Rail, the state had expected several projects in rail development.