Thiruvananthapuram: The Silver Line debate organized by K-Rail as per the directions of the government is in progress. Former Vice Chancellor of Kerala University of Technology Dr. Kuncheria P. said that Silverline is a project that will lead to the development of the transport sector. Isaac said. The speed limit on National and State Highways in Kerala is 30-40 kmph. In other states it can travel at speeds of up to 80 kmph. People need to think about whether we can go 30–40 km faster.
Kerala needs a good transport system. Even Janashatabdi and Rajdhani run at an average speed of 60 kmph in Kerala. People travel in the morning to avoid road congestion. This is one of the reasons for the increase in road accidents. In Kerala, 4000 people die in road accidents every year. Kerala had earlier considered the expressway. In 2003, the cost of the road was Rs 6,000 crore. The plan was to reduce travel time from 12 hours to 5 hours. Everyone opposed it. The argument was that Kerala would be torn apart. National Highway 4 is still busy. Even if the road is widened, it will be congested. “We need expressways and east-west highways,” he said. There is a parking problem on the metro rail. Parking facilities should be provided at the Silverline Terminal. He also said that Silver Line will revive the economy of Kerala.
Thiruvananthapuram Chamber of Commerce President SN Raghuchandran Nair said that Kerala needs a fast travel system. Only then will better business come. There is a plan to transport the trucks. A truck from Kasaragod will reach Thiruvananthapuram in three and a half hours. It will also help in the development of the tourism sector. There are so many beautiful places in Kerala. But there is no way to get there. So those who come to Kovalam see it and return. He added that people who come for short breaks do not have to sit in the car for a long time.
Opposing the project, Dr. RVG Menon argued that the need for Kerala was to double the road. Public transport is very important for Kerala. Roads: The inability to build roads is the reason for delays in projects. It did not happen despite the opposition of the locals. Railways are neglecting Kerala. There is politics in development. Silverline has many problems. Semi-speed trains run on broad gauge. Why can’t such trains run in Kerala? Why did you decide that standard gauge was enough for Silverline? Many Silverline stations come from many places. The station at Ernakulam comes from Kakkanad. In Kollam it is in the headwaters. V.G. Menon said.
English Summary: SilverLine panel discussion conducted by K Rail