THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A huge amount has been set aside in the budget for the groundwork of K Rail, the dream project of the Pinarayi government. An amount of Rs 2,000 crore has been earmarked in the budget for land acquisition for the Silver Line project. The survey work on the project is presently progressing. Despite the public outcry against the project in many parts of the state, the Finance Minister said during the budget presentation that the Silver Line project is essential for the development of Kerala. He hoped that the Centre would approve the Silver Line project expected to cost Rs 63,941 crore.

Electric trains are essential for the development of the state. Crores have also been earmarked for the construction of new roads in the transport sector. An amount of Rs 1888 crore has been earmarked for the transport sector. A sum of Rs 1,000 crore has been reserved in the budget for KSRTC, which is struggling with debt, to strengthen public transport. A subsidy of Rs 15,000 per vehicle will be given to convert existing autos to e-auto. Apart from this, Rs 150 crore has been sanctioned for the Kochi Water Metro project and Rs 2 crore for the DPR of Sabarimala Airport.