The new UDF government in Kerala, led by Chief Minister VD Satheesan, has announced plans to implement a high-speed rail corridor along the Trivandrum-Kasaragod route, replacing the scrapped SilverLine project. The proposed broad-gauge corridor will have a maximum speed of 160 kmph, allowing both passenger and cargo trains to operate. The government will seek the assistance of Metro Man E Sreedharan and approach the Railway Ministry with the proposal.

Unlike the previous SilverLine project which envisioned a standard-gauge track, the new plan features a broad-gauge alignment compatible with the existing railway network. The track will be elevated on pillars to minimize land acquisition. If realized, the 580 km distance between Trivandrum and Kasaragod could be covered in just 4.5 hours.

On broad gauge, the maximum achievable speed is 160 kmph, lower than the 200 kmph originally proposed for SilverLine on standard gauge. However, the government says the trade-off allows integration with the broader railway network and the ability to run multiple train types including Vande Bharat expresses and freight services.

The decision comes after the previous LDF government’s SilverLine project faced widespread opposition due to aggressive land acquisition. Over 6,700 yellow markers were installed across the state, some even inside homes and kitchens, sparking massive public protests. The new UDF government, fulfilling a key election promise, scrapped the project in its second cabinet meeting itself and decided to withdraw over a thousand police cases registered against protesters.

Revenue Minister AP Anilkumar has announced that the yellow markers installed for K-Rail will be removed in a time-bound manner. Landowners will be officially notified about the cancellation of the land acquisition notifications. The government reiterated that its policy is to provide land titles to all, not to dispossess people of their land.

The government has clarified that while they are not against high-speed rail per se, they will pursue it through practical and people-friendly alternatives. The new corridor will include a Ro-Ro (Roll-on/Roll-off) container system to benefit cargo movement from the Vizhinjam port. Connections with the existing railway line every 50 km will make travel more convenient for passengers.