THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: K-Rail’s Silver Line project, aimed at creating a semi-high-speed rail corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, faces a major potential setback. If 108 hectares of railway land across nine districts in Kerala is not allocated to the project, up to 45% of the planned alignment may need to be reworked. Officials have expressed concerns that the new track might impact existing railway operations and limit future developments.

The proposed Silver Line alignment currently diverges from the existing railway tracks in the stretch from Thiruvananthapuram to Malappuram’s Thirunavaya. In contrast, the 255-kilometer stretch from Thirunavaya to Kasaragod runs parallel to the existing rail line. Significant adjustments will be needed if railway land cannot be secured, requiring new surveys and further changes to the project’s alignment. Notably, about 10 kilometers of railway land in Kazhakoottam is vital for this project.

To reduce local resistance, K-Rail is exploring options to shift the alignment through less populated areas. However, this change may have a financial impact, with the cost potentially rising or decreasing depending on the alterations required.

Union Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnav has hinted that the Silver Line might receive approval if technical and environmental concerns are fully addressed, although these issues have yet to be communicated to K-Rail.

Meanwhile, Indian Railways has proposed an alternative plan to add two new tracks, creating a four-track system alongside the existing double-track corridor. These tracks would allow trains to reach speeds of 160 km/h, which could undermine the relevance of the Silver Line. Additionally, Indian Railways has insisted that the Silver Line be built using broad gauge instead of standard gauge, enabling compatibility with trains like the Vande Bharat Express. However, a shift to broad gauge would increase the project’s costs substantially.

Key points of contention

1. Alignment adjustments: Up to 45% of the Silver Line alignment may need changes if essential railway land is unavailable.

2. Cost implications: Any realignment may affect the project's budget, with possible cost increases or decreases.

3. Railway’s four-track proposal: Railways propose a four-track system parallel to the existing lines, challenging Silver Line’s viability.

4. Broad gauge demand: Railways are pushing for a broad gauge to support high-speed goods and passenger trains, which would significantly increase costs but provide network compatibility.