Renowned engineer and “Metro Man” E Sreedharan has stated that the Central government will not grant permission for Kerala’s ambitious SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project. He cited financial feasibility concerns and environmental issues as key reasons for the Centre’s reluctance to approve the project.
Sreedharan, a vocal critic of the SilverLine project, emphasized that the proposal lacks a strong economic foundation and could impose a heavy debt burden on the state. He also highlighted potential ecological damage and large-scale displacement of people along the proposed route.
The Kerala government has been pushing for the SilverLine corridor to enhance travel speed and connectivity, but the project has faced strong opposition from environmental activists, economists, and political leaders. With Sreedharan’s latest remarks, the future of the project remains uncertain.