THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala government is pressing ahead with efforts to revive the Silver Line project previously halted due to public opposition. Recent discussions between K-Rail and Thiruvananthapuram and Palakkad Divisional Managers centered on securing railway land for the project. K-Rail addressed 20 concerns raised by the divisions and forwarded details of the discussions to Southern Railway.

The Central Railway Board directed the Southern Railway's General Manager to negotiate with K-Rail, seeking a comprehensive opinion on the railway land allotment. This discussion was pivotal in line with the Railway Board's forthcoming position on the Silver Line, soon to be conveyed to the Parliamentary Committee upon receiving the Southern Railway's opinion. Media reports suggest increased pressure from Kerala on Delhi to grant approval for the project.

The decision to acquire railway land, buildings and crossings for the Silver Line project lies with the Railway Board. K-Rail has reiterated its request for final approval and land allocation from the Board. Approximately 108 hectares of railway land in 9 districts are to be acquired, details of which were provided by K-Rail a year ago but were held back by the Southern Railway until recent pressure from Kerala.

Efforts to conduct a joint survey of the railway land, spearheaded by the state are underway. Special representative KV Thomas has been appointed by the government to meet with the Prime Minister and Union Ministers, aiming to secure central approval.

However, progress remains stalled as 205 officials involved in land acquisition across 11 districts have been recalled, their offices locked and land acquisition activities frozen due to a lack of central permission. Concurrently, studies concerning environmental impact, hydrology, mangrove conservation and coastal management continue.

Central authorities emphasize that project approval will hinge on economic and technical feasibility. The project secured in-principle central approval previously but now awaits four critical permissions:

1) Ministry of Railways' approval
2) Subsequent clearance from NITI Aayog and Ministry of Finance
3) Submission of project documents to the Prime Minister through Cabinet Committee approval
4) Final endorsement in the Union cabinet meeting

This ongoing limbo has implications for the populace, prohibiting land sale or loan acquisition where project groundwork has begun. Additionally, local bodies have not yet granted permission for construction and legal cases against activists involved in opposing the project remain unresolved.

Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan asserts that despite spending 57.84 crores so far, the project remains in limbo due to political reasons emphasizing that once central approval is granted, the project will proceed regardless of financial constraints.