THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has decided to provide a source of income in addition to compensation to the evictees for the Silver Line project. They will be given priority in the recruitment of 11,000 posts in Silverline and permits for taxi services at SilverLine stations will also be issued for them. Tenders will be avoided and contracts will be awarded for conducting various stalls at the stations. Free travel on the Silverline is also under consideration.

The government has announced compensation of up to four times the market price for land grantors and a house like in 'Life model' for people who lose their house. In addition to compensation, the landless poor who lose their place of stay will be given 5 cents of land and a house. This reservation will be available even for engineer jobs. Jobs such as security, lift operator and cleaning will also be provided.

1226.45 hectares of land is to be acquired for the project. 9314 buildings have to be demolished. About 95% of these are houses. As per preliminary estimates 50,000 people will be affected. 13,265 crore is required for land acquisition and compensation.

'The social impact assessment report will contain recommendations to minimize the impact of the project. More details will only be revealed in the report " said V. Ajith Kumar, MD, K-Rail.