THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K Rail MD Ajith Kumar has refuted Minister Saji Cherian's claim that there is no buffer zone in the K Rail project. There is a 10 metre buffer zone on both sides where the project passes. Construction will not be permitted in five meters. The remaining five meters can be constructed with permission. He said the buffer zone was decided under the existing law.

What is happening now is not land acquisition but a social impact study. The study is being conducted to understand who all will be affected. The alignment is paved along the final routes. The government has decided to go ahead with the laying of stones. New stones will be laid in place of the removed ones.

The experts will hear the views of the affected families. If there are interruptions, the social impact study will be delayed. If the project is delayed, will lose Rs 3500 crore daily. He said the land would be acquired only after compensation is paid.