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KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 20221
SILVERLINE2KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 2022
Traffic snarls, road accidents and air pollution from vehicleshave long been a major concern for our people. This is a problem that’slong overdue fixing. The one major solution to this issue which is localrailway development is unfortunately very slow in our state. Currently,it takes more than 16 hours to travel from one end of the state to theother. It’s high time this changed. The semi high-speed rail, SilverLineis the greatest possible solution to this issue. The travel fromThiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod can be achieved in just four hourswith the execution of such a facilitating project. When it becomes areality, our infrastructure will undoubtedly change for the better.KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 20223
THIRUVANANTHAPURAM-KASARAGODSEMI-HIGH SPEED RAIL PROJECT SILVERLINE4KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 2022
E DITO RIALThe SilverLineof developmentThis issue of Kerala Calling celebratesthe prospect of the realization ofthe state government’s ambitiousproject – K-Rail. There are two partsto it. One focuses on the possibilitiesand the other on the practicalities. One isbased on the personal experiences of muchtravelled personalities and their evaluation ofthe advantages that the project will bring tothe state, and the other is a more groundedone, getting down to the brass tacks, andmentioning how the government will tacklethe liabilities and sort out the disadvantages.Together they will, it is hoped, give acomprehensive picture of how the K-Rail willactually impact the lives of people in the state.The article written and by the Chief of UNOffice for Disaster Risk Reduction MuraleeThummarakudy itemizes the variousadvantages of the high speed and semi-highspeed railway systems that operate in westernEurope, Japan and the US –fast and safemovement of people and cargo, a great boostto the tourism sector, high connectivity amongcities and so on – and mention how similarchanges are long overdue in Kerala.The article by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayanpurports to allay widespread fears of peopleregarding the rehabilitation of those who willbe affected by land acquisition in connectionwith the implementation of the project, thecompensation packages that have beenfactored in, the environmental issues that havebeen taken into consideration and so on. Theyseek as much to clear doubts as to counterfalse propaganda, and aim to get popularsupport for the dream project.Another noteworthy article revolves arounda problem that has been plaguing the entireworld for nearly two years now – COVID-19and its variants, especially OMICRON.Dr P. S. Indu, Professor and Head, CommunityMedicine, Govt Medical College, Kollam,reiterates the use of masks, maintenanceof social distance, and the need for wellventilated spaces in order to keep the infectionat bay, and ultimately overcome the pandemic.Ironically, these two thrust areas – theSilverLine and OMICRON – have a point ofconvergence: the importance of time and theneed for speed. Let us wish the SilverLine aspeedy entry into Kerala andOMICRON/COVID a speedy exit!S. Harikishore I.A.S.Editor
CONTENTSKERALA CALLINGJANUARY 01, 2022 VOL 42 No. 03EDITORS. Harikishore IASADDITIONAL EDITORK. Abdul RasheedDEPUTY EDITORV. P. AswathyEDITOR IN CHARGEC. RajeshASSISTANT EDITORA. Anchitha08False propaganda will adverselyaffect developmentPinarayi Vijayan10Rail of HonourK-Rail– No need for AnxietyPinarayi VijayanCIRCULATION OFFICERA. C. AbhilashCOVER DESIGN & LAYOUTBinod JayadevanPRINTINGSt. Joseph’s Press, Vazhuthacaud,ThiruvananthapuramPHOTO CREDITSI & PRD Photography DivisionFacebook, Freepik, UnsplashViews expressed in the articles published in Kerala Callingare not, necessarily, those of the government. KeralaCalling welcomes free expression of divergent views andexchange of ideas through its pages.ENQUIRIESEditorial: 0471 251 8648Subscription : 0471 251 7036TO SUBSCRIBESend Rs. 120 as money order toThe Director, Information & Public Relations Department,First Floor, Secretariat Annexe,Thiruvananthapuram - 695 001.12SilverLine: A Novel path towardsDevelopmentV. Abdurahiman14Nothing to Hide;Everything is TransparentThe subscription amount will also be received atthe State Information Centre, Press Club Building,Thiruvananthapuram. Phone: 0471 251 8471and at all District Information Offices.RESPONSES MAY BE SENT TO MAIL EDITORIAL MATERIALSArticles/features appearing in this magazine are eithercommissioned or assigned. Nevertheless, other articlesare also welcome. A maximum of 750 wordage isappreciated. Such items should be addressed to TheEditor, Kerala Calling, First Floor, Secretariat Annexe,Thiruvananthapuram Pin 695 001.TOTAL NUMBER OF PAGES:48 Cover18SilverLine: Aiming Kerala’sOverall DevelopmentV. Ajith Kumar
A Plan Designedto Protect Nature22Detailed reply to allthe queries raisedby Niti Aayog.27SilverLine will notcause flood24Stop Defeating Ourselveson the StreetsVivek VS30“We need Silverline”Dr. K. Balan34Thus speak CentralKeralaBimal Shivaji38Silverline –An absolute necessityMuralee Thummarakudy36Unforgettable rail journeys Dr. V. Abdul Latif40Kerala’s technology-driveninnovative plans to broad baseequitable health deliveryN. Bhadran Nair42Kerala: Baby-friendlystate in IndiaJoby Baby48Kerala Shines withFour National SportsAwardsSanil P Thomas44Omicron- Let’s be prepared andlet’s do it allDr. P. S. InduCONTENTS20
SILVE RL INEFalse propagandawill adversely affectdevelopmentPinarayi VijayanChief Minister8KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 2022
Earlier, the UDF government had conceived aHigh Speed Railway, but its cost worked out tobe around Rs. 280 crores for every kilometre.That was one of the major reasons why thepresent Government decided on a Semi-HighSpeed Railway that comes at a cost of Rs. 120 croresper kilometre. The ticket rate for the High SpeedRailway had been pegged at Rs. 6 per kilometre inthe High Speed Railway. But the corresponding ratefor the Semi High- Speed Railway is only Rs. 2.75 perkilometre as per the fare rates of 2020.Besides, Kerala has a high density of population.This requires a stop every 50 kilometres. Thereforethe Semi-High Speed Railway looks like a morepractical choice. This project envisages 11 stops. Theshort distance between the stops makes it difficultfor High Speed trains to run at speeds of 300 or 500kmph, except in very small stretches in our state.In essence, therefore, practically there will hardlybe any difference between the two trains (HighSpeed and Semi-High Speed) in terms of speed. Forinstance, a High Speed train will take 62 minutesto cover the distance between Ernakulam andThiruvananthapuram whereas a Semi-High Speedtrain will do it in 85 minutes. A mere differenceof 23 minutes! That was another reason why theGovernment abandoned the High Speed project andopted for SilverLine.Won’t the expansion of the existingrailway lines suffice?With the completion of the doubling of the existingrailway lines, the trains will be able to keep time. Wemay even be able to introduce a few new trains. Butrunning them at faster speeds may not be possible.Laying parallel tracks may not reduce the time takenfor travel either because of the many curves on theexisting alignment and also the undulating nature ofland. Straight paths and level ground are essential forattaining great speeds. That was why the governmenthad to think of laying new tracks. However, whereverpossible, the government will go ahead with layingparallel tracks.What will be the cost of the project?SilverLine, far cheaper than High Speed Rail andsuited to Kerala’s financial status, is a very practicableproject. According to the DPR, the cost of SilverLinewill come to Rs. 63,940.67 crores. The cost of landbelonging to the Railways will come to Rs. 975 crores.Besides this, Rs. 2,150 crores constitute the Centralshare. The State’s share is Rs. 3,225 crores. Rs. 4,252crores will be sourced from public share partnerships.Assistance from international agencies will also beused to meet the costs.Won’t loans be inevitable?Yes, indeed. The Government aims to source Rs. 33,700crores from international funding agencies, andhas already approached ADB, JICA, AIIB and KfW,through the Union Finance Ministry, for low-interestloans, and submitted copies of the DPR. Discussionsare on with institutions like HUDCO, KIIFB andIndian Railway Finance Corporation to raise a loan ofRs. 13,362 crores for the purpose of land acquisition.HUDCO has already sanctioned Rs. 3,000 crores forthe first phase of land acquisition from Kochuveli toChengannur.Will the SilverLine project createenvironmental problems?Globally, railway is considered to be the safest andmost comfortable mode of transport that causes theleast environmental pollution. That is the reasonwhy railway projects do not require environmentalimpact assessment, as per the GIAA guidelines.Nevertheless, in sync with the Government’s policythat developmental projects should always beundertaken after taking environmental impact intoconsideration, a study was done. Moreover, therailway line will avoid the Western Ghats and ecosensitive zones altogether. The State Government hasentrusted the National Centre for Sustainable CoastalManagement, a Central Government institution,to present a detailed report on CRZ and mangroveforests, as well.What about the anxiety that housesand buildings will get damaged?It is being propagated that there will be large-scaledamage to houses and buildings because of theSilverLine project. While it is true that approximately9,314 buildings come in the way of the proposedalignment, steps are being taken to reduce thatnumber further. Besides, technical expertise is beingsought to relocate entire houses, keeping them intact.In order to reduce the area of land acquisition, theCut and Cover construction style will be adopted.While acquiring land, as per the rehabilitation laws,damages of up to four times the market price will bepaid in rural areas, and up to two times the marketprice in urban areas. A total of Rs. 13,265 crores hasbeen set apart for payment of damages, includingland acquisition. Of this Rs. 1,730 crores will be forrehabilitation, and Rs. 4,460 crores for compensationof houses. Discussions have been initiated withfinancial institutions on this issue. HUDCO hasalready advanced Rs.3,000 crores for the first phaseof land acquisition for the SilverLine from Kochuvelito Chengannur.Hasn’t opposition been launched evenbefore the implementation of the project?Government is always willing to listen to constructivecriticism. However, no opposition for the mere sakeof torpedoing developmental projects, will deter usfrom fulfilling our promises to the people. We needto stand united for the sake of the development ofour State. If such development projects are sought tobe derailed, it will affect our future generations. Wecannot allow that to happen.KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 20229SILVE RL INEWhy did this government opt for SemiHigh Speed Railway instead of HighSpeed Railway?
Rail of HonourSILVE RL INEK-Rail– No need for AnxietySustainable, quick and cost effectivetransportation systems are indispensableto any modern society. During our previoustenure itself, we had taken up severalinitiatives to ensure that. Kannur Airport,National Highway development, NationalWaterway, Kochi Metro development, KochiWater Metro, Railway development,Coastal and Hill Highways, solar boats,EV manufacturing and so on wererealised or taken up as part of it.K-RAIL’s Semi High Speed Railway,ie SilverLine, is the next step in thatscheme of things.Pinarayi VijayanTraffic snarls and road accidents on Kerala’sroads are a matter of serious anxiety amongthe general public of the State. Environmentalpollution caused by emissions of vehiclesis also a grave concern. Currently, it takesabout 16 hours to travel from one end of the Stateto another. This needs to change, and SilverLine,is the real solution. It will enable us to travel fromKasargod to Thiruvananthapuram in just 4 hours.Once this becomes a reality, it will provide acomplete facelift to Kerala’s basic infrastructure. Thiswill in turn be a boon for all our sectors, includingindustry, IT, tourism, health, education and so on.Joint Ventures by the State and Central Governmentshave been initiated to plan and execute railwayprojects to cater to the demands of each State. Suchventures are aimed at reducing instances of trafficblock, road accidents and environmental pollutionin each of them. It will also ensure speedy transportfacilities. That is why such projects are beingimplemented in eight States, including Kerala. Asum of Rs. 100 crores was set apart to set up the JVin January 2017, with the Indian Railway owning49 % shares and the State Government, 51 %. Thus,the Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited(K-RAIL), was brought into being.On 10.02.2020 the Government explained thedetails of the project to the MLAs through whose10KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 2022Chief Ministerconstituencies the proposed railway line would pass.The SilverLine project was discussed in the KeralaLegislative Assembly on 21.01.2021 as well. LIDAR(Light Detection and Ranging), the most modernand sophisticated remote-sensing system availabletoday, is being used in order to conduct a survey ofthe land required for the project. It is a technologythat can collect information from the surface of theearth with amazing accuracy and remarkable speed.The Government will follow all laws, rules andguidelines while acquiring land. When such aproject is implemented, it will naturally put somepeople through difficulties. But the Governmentgives full assurance that they will be given allprotection. Compensation will be given for bothplots and buildings, as per the prevailing rates andin a time-bound manner. A clear-cut rehabilitationplan too is being put in place. Not a singleindividual in the state will be rendered homeless,in the name of this project. The Government istaking steps to address the anxieties and doubts thatpeople may have, and give due consideration to theopinions of people’s representatives. Let us not forgetthe fact that over the last 5 years we have had severalexamples of implementing projects after overcomingnegative propaganda and anxieties that came up inthe initial stages.The Government will hold public hearings to correct
Project Cost and ImplementationA sum of Rs. 13,362.32 crores is required foracquisition of land for the Semi-High Speed Railway,of which Rs. 2,100 crores will be sourced fromKIIFB. The Central Government has already giventhe green signal to the State Government to go aheadwith land acquisition. The Railway Board has also,in principle, given its approval for the project. Inthe letter dated 15 January 2021, the Union FinanceMinister has recommended that steps be taken toproceed with land acquisition.International funding agencies, including JICA(Japan International Cooperation Agency), havecome forward offering financial assistance for theimplementation of the project. Discussions withAIIB (Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank), KfW(German Development Bank) and ADB (AsianDevelopment Bank) have been completed. TheNITI Aayog, the Finance Ministry and the RailwayMinistry have given their approval for seeking helpfrom these sources.Infrastructure development is key to industrialdevelopment. In this modern day and age,availability of quality electricity supply, moderntransportation systems, and high speed internetconnectivity are all essential to the setting upand growth of industries. During the previousGovernment itself we had initiated measures toensure them.Through the Kerala Infrastructure InvestmentFund Board we have realised basic infrastructuredevelopment, which would’ve otherwise beenpossible only over the next half a century. Whileour goal was projects worth Rs. 50,000 crores over5 years, we were able to initiate projects worth Rs.62,500 crores during the previous tenure. Duringthis Government, our goal is to take up projectsworth Rs. 60,000 crores.‘Nava Keralam’ cannot be realised withoutaddressing our backwardness in basic infrastructure.Various projects are being implemented to addressthat. It is not just our present requirements that arebeing borne in mind while implementing them.What guides us are the requirements of our future.Modern transportation facilities are the hallmarksof any developed society. Ensuring such facilitiesin Kerala will make us comparable to developednations in terms of basic infrastructure. It will givefresh impetus to our industrial development.K-RAIL’s SilverLine - Semi High Speed Railway - isone such project. Infrastructure that allows investorsto reach any part of Kerala in just a few hours willimprove our investment friendly atmosphere byleaps and bounds. Additional capital that is investedbecause of the availability of such modern facilitieswill invigorate Kerala’s development in general.Resources generated subsequently can be madeavailable to all, so that social justice can be ensured,which will form the bed rock of ‘Nava Keralam’.Through projects such as SilverLine, we can improveKerala’s production and ability to produce. This willhelp us in our endeavour to reorganise Kerala intoa knowledge economy. The LDF Government ismoving forward with a clear action plan to achievethat. In that journey, the limitations of our presentshould not become barriers in ensuring the successof our future generations.KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 202211SILVE RL INEthe misgivings regarding the project and find outsolutions for the genuine problems that are shared. Itwill also take steps to get various social and culturalorganizations to conduct seminars and meetings soas to address the concerns of the people. The attemptwill be to conduct them before the land acquisitionprocess begins. Therefore, at this point of time, weshould desist from any kind of negative propagandathat will stoke unnecessary worries among ourpeople.The estimated cost of the K-RAIL project is Rs.63,941 crores. Approximately 1,383 hectares ofland will be required, including for rehabilitation, ofwhich 1.198 hectares is privately owned. The projecthas been conceived in such a way that the leastamount of damage is inflicted on places of worship,farm lands and groves. Though the SilverLine passesthrough 11 districts of the State, as the tracks willbe laid largely on uninhabited lands, only 9,314buildings, including houses, will be affected. Thealignment for the project has been scientificallydesigned, giving utmost importance to its economicand social dimensions, and will impact only theless densely populated regions. For every hectare ofland, a sum of approximately Rs. 9 crores has beenbudgeted for acquisition and compensation.The Tirur-Kasaragod track will be constructed torun parallel to the existing railway line. This willconsiderably reduce the inconvenience of the peopleas well as the alleged impact on the environment.The Thiruvananthapuram-Tirur track will avoidpaddy fields and watersheds as much as possible, andaccommodate 115 kms of elevated rail over paddyfields and 88 kms of skyway. Besides, bridges andculverts will be constructed to protect water bodiesand watersheds.The Detailed Project Report was prepared bySYSTRA. An environment impact assessment isnot essential for this project, as it is a rail line. Yet,it was undertaken by the Centre for Environmentand Development. This is proof of the extremeprecaution that the State Government is taking withregard to both the planning and implementation ofthis project.There are people who allege that the SilverLineProject will completely destroy the financialbackbone of the State, because of the borrowingsrequired. What they ought to understand is thatthere is not a single Government in the world thathas been able to improve infrastructural facilitieswithout taking loans. Infrastructural developmentwill not only invigorate financial growth but alsoincrease income. This is a fact that is acknowledgedby all. Surely there should not be any differenceof opinion regarding the need for reducing traveltime within the State to one-quarter of what it is atpresent, and nurturing all sectors including business,technology and tourism.
SILVE RL INEV. AbdurahimanSilverLine:A Novel Path TowardsDevelopmentMinister for Railways, Sports,Wakf and Haj Pilgrimage, Post and Telegraphs.SilverLine Rail Projecthas been planned toforesee the needsof the upcominggeneration. The mostimportant attraction ofthe project is that onewill be able to reachThiruvananthapuramfrom Kasargod in fourhours.12KKERALA CALLING / JANUARY 2022erala proudly stands first in administrative excellence. Thedemocratic government has made its mark in the developmentsector too. The government got another term due to its unique wayof functioning, including people from various walks of life. Thegovernment machinery has been developing and implementingprojects truly adhering to the faith showered by people.Kerala Rail (K-Rail) Development Corporation, a joint initiative of IndianRailways and the Kerala State Government, will be implementing the SilverLine Project. The aim is not to divide Kerala into two but to join the twoends in the fastest way possible. When distances are covered faster, a lotof time can be saved. This in turn can help in the fruitful usage of humanresources. Through the project, it is expected to save around 2,80,000human hours per day which can be used for other fruitful work.The State Government has been taking the necessary steps to completethe SilverLine project on time. The final nod from the Central Rail Boardis anticipated. The State Government has assured the Centre that it willmonitor the timely repayment of the loan amount. The project has been
Signalling Facilitydesigned to implement the serviceprofitably. In this way, the loanrepayment will be possible from theearnings alone.While development projects getimplemented, it is natural that somepeople will have to be rehabilitated.It turns necessary for long-termproceedings. It is not right to state thesame as an eviction. Nobody is beingforced to vacate their homes but theyare being rehabilitated. The governmentstrongly believes in protecting therights of all people, following theCentre’s legislation, regarding taking upland and rehabilitating people.Though the trains will be able torun timely, with the completionof rail doubling, it is difficult toincrease speed. There will alsobe a rise in the number of trains.But it is impossible to reach thedestination faster within a limitedtime. Between Thiruvananthapuramand Mangalapuram, only 19 km raildoubling is pending. There has not beenmuch progress regarding speed in areaswhere the doubling has been alreadyimplemented.There are around 626 curves onExisting problems can indeed be solved to a great extent withmodernisation. Kerala has Absolute Block Signalling System. Withina block, only a single train will run between two stations. In theAutomatic Signalling Facility, more trains will be able to run withina single block. There will not be much progress in speed even if theexisting facilities are improved.Apprehensions that SilverLine Project may lead Kerala to a debt trap ispointless. Loans received from international financial institutions forlow-interest rates (JICA-0.2 per cent, ADB and AIIB-1 to 1.5 per cent)will be utilised for the project.The Financial Internal Rate of Return (FIRR) of the project is 8.49 percent and the Economic Internal Rate of Return (EIRR) is 24.04 per cent.Projects that have EIRR above 14 per cent are considered exceptionallygood ones. According to DPR, the loan and interest can be repaid fromthe project earnings. While supporting facilities improve, opportunitiesincrease for investment which in turn help in economic growth. Thisfurther helps increase job opportunities.The government is trying to complete Silver Line Project in a timebound manner. All arrangements are being done to begin constructionworks as soon as the Central Railway Board gives a nod for the same.Now, preliminary works are progressing to take up land for the project.Studies and other arrangements are also being done. Steps to take upland will be initiated only after getting the final nod for the same. Onlywhen other preliminary arrangements are done earlier, land can betaken up on time when approval will be received for the same.Thiruvananthapuram-Chengannur Sub Urban Rail Project wassuggested by the State Government. The project was conceived to runmore trains by using the Automatic Signalling facility. But Railways didnot approve this project that was planned to keep in mind passengersmaking use of the InterCity facility. Existing double lane paths wereconstructed for long service and goods trains. The Rail Ministry hadgiven directions to construct two additional paths for InterCity service.Based on this, the State Government had conceived Silver Line Project,with two additional lanes, for travelling at a speed of 200 km per hour.The LDF Government decided to bring in Semi High-Speed RailwaySilver Line as it was found to be less expensive than the High-SpeedRail Project planned earlier. When the cost for constructing high-speedrail and the time that can be saved get compared, it has been found thatSilver Line will be the most suitable project for Kerala.All the doubts raised by Niti Aayog regarding the expenses for theproject were cleared by giving a detailed response. Niti Aayog has alsodirected to go ahead to receive foreign loans.SilverLine will pass through areas lesser inhabited by people. 15 to 25km of land will be taken up for the project. On both sides, 5 metresof land come under a protected zone. For people to move across,underpasses or bridges will be constructed with a gap of 500 metres.Silver Line Project has been envisaged keeping in mind the requirementsof the upcoming generation who will be struggling for time. Those whothink ahead in life will not be able to oppose the project based on vestedinterests. Silver Line will certainly be a milestone on the path of Kerala’soverall development.KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 202213SILVE RL INEthe current path. 36 per cent of the path comprises curves. Speedregulation becomes necessary at level crosses, steep rises and descends,waterlogged regions etc. Hundreds of trains, maintaining variousspeeds, run through the rails of Kerala. When Passenger and Expresstrains are compared, there is not much variation regarding speed as theystop at almost all stations. This is why it is impossible to increase speeddespite rail doubling.
SILVE RL INENothing to Hide;Everything is TransparentKerala requires a semihigh-speed railwayKerala is stifling due to the increasingnumber of vehicles and traffic congestion.National Highways seem to be incapableof accommodating the increasing numberof vehicles on road. Kerala also comestop while taking a list of accidents. Though it isone of the favourite tourist spots in India, trafficsnarls frequently trouble tourists.To travel via road or rail from Kasargod toThiruvananthapuram, covering 560 km, itwill take around 10 to 12 hours. With Silver14KERALA CALLING / JANUARY 2022Line, one will be able to travel from Kasargod toThiruvananthapuram in three hours and 54 minutes.According to the project estimate, it has been foundthat apart from saving travelling time, around2,80,000 human working hours will be saved. Thismuch time can be utilised for other creative work.Semi high-speed trains are themost suitable ones for KeralaSilverLine passes through developed cities. It willhave to stop in 10 district centres or business spots.The average distance between stations is 50 km.Trains will have to travel at least 20 to 25 km to gain
A solution for traffic snarls for thenext 50 yearsAccording to studies, the National Highways will getfurther crowded with vehicles in the next five years.Then the State Government will have to constructmore National Highways or alternate Express routesthrough green corridors every five or 10 years. WithSilverLine, there will be a solution for traffic snarlsfor the next 50 years.The Railways did not approveSuburban Rail ProjectThiruvananthapuram-Chengannur Sub Urban RailProject was proposed by the State Government. Theproject was conceived with a plan to run more trainsby including Automatic Signalling. But this project,planned for the benefit of Inter-City travellers, wasnot approved by the Railways. Existing two-linepaths were constructed for long-distance trainsand goods trains. The Railways directed the StateGovernment to construct two additional paths forInter-City travel. Accordingly, the government hascome up with SilverLine Project, comprising twoadditional lines, offering a speed of 200 km per hour.Existing lines cannot solvetraffic snarlUnder Thiruvananthapuram-MangalapuramSection, line doubling has been completed in a 615km area out of the total 634 km. But there has notbeen a considerable increase in speed in these areas.Though the remaining will be completed, not muchtime can be saved or speed will be acquired. Thishappens due to the construction of similar turns andcurves parallel to the existing path when the lines aredoubled.Straightening curves is notpossible in KeralaThere are 626 curves between Thiruvananthapuramand Kasargod. There is a speed regulation rangingbetween 20 km per hour to 110 km per hour in suchThe main aim of the SilverLine Project isto improve the traffic system in the State.Traffic on the road needs to be reduced andmore people need to be made dependent onRailways. SilverLine has not been designed toincrease the speed of long-route vehicles inKerala. When this project gets realised, around46, 206 people making use of the road isexpected to shift to the SilverLine facility. In thefirst year, it is anticipated that around 12,872vehicles will stop running on the road thusreducing road traffic considerably. Other thanthis, Rs 530 crores worth of p
SilverLine: A Novel path towards Development V. Abdurahiman SilverLine: Aiming Kerala's Overall Development V. Ajith Kumar 24 CONTENTS 36 44 20 22 30 40 27 34 38 42 48 "We need Silverline" Unforgettable rail journeys Dr. V. Abdul Latif Kerala's technology-driven innovative plans to broad base equitable health delivery N. Bhadran Nair
