The managing director of the Kerala Rail Development Corporation (K-Rail) has come up with a rebuttal to noted technocrat E Sreedharan’s remarks on Silverline project.
According to K-Rail MD V Ajith Kumar, the allegation that ‘semi-speed Silverline will divide Kerala in to two parts’ is baseless. He also pointed out that the project will not impair natural elements on the stretch.
“Railway line will not affect wetlands and creeks. In such terrains, pillars will be constructed to avoid hindrance to the free flow of water. The new path is required because existing broad gauge mechanism cannot accommodate speed more than 160 km/hr,” he said.
The MD explained about the time frame and cost required for the completion of the project. “The project will be completed within five years. The cost will not exceed Rs 63,941 crore. For framing the detailed blueprint of the project we are waiting for Railway Board’s final approval,” he said.
“Railway Ministry has permitted us to seek loans for the project,” K-Rail MD V Ajith Kumar added.
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