Thiruvanandapuram: The Kerala parliament debated the SilverLine project on Monday, with the Congress-led UDF calling it "predatory" and the CPI(M)-led LDF retorting that the former's "anti-development mindset" was to blame for its recent defeat in five states.
Finally, the UDF opposition staged a walkout, stating that the LDF and Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had failed to respond to their concerns and questions presented throughout the discussion on environmental hazards, financial viability, and data falsification in connection with the project. During the nearly three-hour debate, Assembly Leader of Opposition (LoP) V D Satheesan argued that if the project succeeds, bus and other train travel will have to fail.
He further stated that it was not economically viable, that it was not in the public's interest, and that the high walls being built on both sides of the tracks would divide the state into two half. In response to his assertions, the CM stated that the project would benefit future generations, lead to economic development, and reduce carbon emissions by around 2.8 lakh tonnes per year. He further said that, contrary to the opposition's claims, the project will not split the state in two because a large amount of the lines will be raised or underground, and wherever highways will be impacted, underpasses or overbridges will be erected.
Kerala Assembly holds discussion on SilverLine project today
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