THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In what could literally put an end to Kerala’s ambitious SilverLine project, the railway ministry has rejected the DPR that proposed setting up a dedicated high-speed track.
Instead, the railways suggested that the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Ltd (KRDCL) revise the DPR, switching to broad gauge from the proposed standard gauge and integration with the existing rail network to enable the new tracks to accommodate other trains too.
A crucial meeting between the Indian Railways and the KRDCL will be held in Kochi on Thursday for further discussions.
In a written reply to Congress MP Kodikkunnil Suresh in the Lok Sabha on Wednesday, Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw said there are many deficiencies in the DPR submitted by KRDCL.
“KRDCL has been advised by Southern Railway to address those deficiencies and prepare a revised DPR, as per the latest technical standards such as adoption of broad gauge, integration with existing IR network at suitable points, flatter ruling gradient, provision of KAVACH, electrification with 2x25 kV, proper drainage scheme for yards and sections, addressing environmental concerns during construction and operation etc.
The project is not yet sanctioned,” Vaishnaw said. To another question from CPM MP John Brittas in the Rajya Sabha last week, Vaishnaw had cited many deficiencies with the DPR.
The railway ministry had recently written to KRDCL asking for revision of the DPR, with adherence to latest technical standards. The railways suggested some major changes, including ensuring a speed potential of 160 kmph.
Rlys’ new suggestions a major setback for state
“As per the directives, mixed traffic should be allowed. Regular services like goods trains, passenger services including Vande Bharat can be operated via this track. It will be as good as the K-Rail is constructing the third and fourth railway tracks in the state. The cost has also gone up. In effect, there won’t be any dedicated traffic through this track, as envisaged by SilverLine. The railways has called the meeting on Thursday to give further clarification on the suggestions,” said a source.
The new suggestions have come as a major setback for the state which has been aiming to construct a dedicated track for SilverLine. Going by the new suggestions, it would amount to KRDCL constructing third and fourth tracks, parallel to the existing rail network. The state was planning to set up the SilverLine project with a dedicated network at a maximum speed of 220 kmph. With no dedicated network and reduced speed, the whole concept of SilverLine will be affected.
Thursday’s meeting at the railway office in Kochi will be attended by the chief administrative officer who’s heading the construction wing. KRDCL MD Ajith Kumar too will attend the meeting.
New directives
New track should be broad gauge system
It should be integrated with existing Indian Railway network
Environmental concerns should be addressed
Comprehensive drainage system required
Provision of KAVACH should be ensured
project should be brought under the national master plan
Bridges and RoBs should be constructed as per Indian Railway Rules.