UDF Scraps SilverLine Project, to De-Notify Land Orders
20 May 2026 6:09 PM IST20 May 2026 6:09 PM IST
Govt to review protest cases, remove survey stones
The decision was taken in the Cabinet meeting presided over by V D Satheeshan. (Photo: X)
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Kerala government on Wednesday decided to scrap the proposed Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Silver Line rail corridor and cancel all related land acquisition proceedings.
The decision was taken at a Cabinet meeting presided over by V.D. Satheesan. Briefing the media, Satheesan said the project would not proceed as it had not received approval from the Centre. "The Silver Line Project is not taking off. The Centre has not approved it either. We have already opposed this project. In fact, people who own land earmarked for it are unable to sell it, so we’ve decided to scrap it," he said.
The project had witnessed widespread protests during the tenure of the LDF government, with residents opposing land acquisition and survey activities. Clashes were reported in several areas when officials attempted to lay survey stones, and multiple cases were registered.
Satheesan said the home department would review cases filed during the protests and that the government would recommend their withdrawal before courts. He added that survey stones laid across the state would be removed.
The Chief Minister said the government was not opposed to a high-speed corridor in principle, provided a sustainable proposal with a proper detailed project report was prepared.
Families affected by the project held marches and thanksgiving meetings welcoming the decision. The Silver Line project, proposed by the Pinarayi Vijayan government, envisaged a 530-km semi-high-speed rail corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod. It had faced sustained opposition over land acquisition and environmental concerns.
In other decisions, the Cabinet resolved to recommend to the Kerala Public Service Commission that the validity of rank lists expiring before August 31, 2026, be extended till November 30, 2026. The government also said commitments under Vision 2031 would be implemented over the next five years.
The project had witnessed widespread protests during the tenure of the LDF government, with residents opposing land acquisition and survey activities. Clashes were reported in several areas when officials attempted to lay survey stones, and multiple cases were registered.
Satheesan said the home department would review cases filed during the protests and that the government would recommend their withdrawal before courts. He added that survey stones laid across the state would be removed.
The Chief Minister said the government was not opposed to a high-speed corridor in principle, provided a sustainable proposal with a proper detailed project report was prepared.
Families affected by the project held marches and thanksgiving meetings welcoming the decision. The Silver Line project, proposed by the Pinarayi Vijayan government, envisaged a 530-km semi-high-speed rail corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kasaragod. It had faced sustained opposition over land acquisition and environmental concerns.
In other decisions, the Cabinet resolved to recommend to the Kerala Public Service Commission that the validity of rank lists expiring before August 31, 2026, be extended till November 30, 2026. The government also said commitments under Vision 2031 would be implemented over the next five years.
( Source : Deccan Chronicle )
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