SynopsisSilverline high-speed rail project: The scrapping of SilverLine marks the end of a project that had dominated Kerala’s political discourse for years and sharply divided public opinion across the state.TNNSilverline project scrapped (Image for representation)Kerala’s newly elected UDF government has formally pulled the plug on the controversial SilverLine semi high-speed rail corridor, marking a decisive policy shift from the previous Left Democratic Front administration that had championed the ambitious infrastructure project for years, news agency PTI reported on May 20.New Chief Minister V D Satheesan said that the state cabinet had decided to scrap the proposed rail project and revoke all notifications related to land acquisition issued for the corridor.The government will also recommend withdrawal of criminal cases registered against protesters who had opposed the project, subject to court approval, Satheesan added.The decision brings to a close a politically charged chapter in Kerala. Conceived during the tenure of former chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan, the SilverLine project aimed to establish a semi high-speed rail link connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod.Also read | Railways clears Katra slope works, Kiul-Jhajha 3rd line project in Rs 1,200 crore safety pushThe proposed corridor was expected to sharply reduce travel time across the state and was projected by the previous administration as a transformative mobility initiative.However, the project faced sustained resistance from opposition parties, environmental activists and residents in several districts. Critics had questioned the project’s financial viability, environmental impact and land acquisition process. Demonstrations intensified after survey stones were laid in multiple areas, with opposition leaders accusing the then government of moving ahead without adequate public consultation and without securing all mandatory clearances from the Centre.During his tenure as Leader of the Opposition, Satheesan had repeatedly targeted the project, describing it as economically risky and socially disruptive. Congress-led UDF leaders had argued that the state could face severe fiscal stress if the massive infrastructure plan moved ahead.Also read | Next bullet train at 350 kmph: Railway Minister Ashwini VaishnawQuestions were also raised over funding arrangements and whether the project had received full approval from the Union government and the Railways Ministry.The SilverLine proposal had triggered one of Kerala’s largest public agitations in recent years. Protesters alleged that thousands of families faced displacement, while environmental experts warned about the possible ecological consequences of constructing the corridor through densely populated and environmentally sensitive regions.Several demonstrations had turned confrontational, resulting in criminal cases against activists and local residents.The new government’s move to withdraw those cases is being viewed as an attempt to politically and administratively distance itself from the previous regime’s handling of the issue. The cabinet decision is also expected to provide relief to affected landowners who had been facing uncertainty over acquisition proceedings.Apart from scrapping the project, the cabinet also approved an extension of the validity of Kerala Public Service Commission rank lists till November 30. Satheesan said appointments had slowed considerably during the election period, making the extension necessary to protect job aspirants waiting for recruitment opportunities.The SilverLine reversal marks one of the first major policy decisions of the new UDF administration and signals a likely broader review of large-scale projects initiated by the previous government.According to political observers, the decision could reshape the state’s infrastructure priorities, with the new administration likely to focus more on upgrading existing transport systems rather than pursuing entirely new mega-corridors.Read More News on...moreless