Protests force Kerala govt to change rail survey method: By-poll gimmick alleged

The Kerala state government has decided to carry out Global Positioning System-enabled methods to conduct a social impact assessment for the proposed semi-high-speed-rail project (SilverLine) in the state. The decision has been made considering the widespread protests across the state against laying demarcation stones for the project.

The decision has triggered allegations that it was the ruling CPM-led Left Democratic Front’s gimmick in view of the upcoming Thrikkakkara by-election. However, CPM leaders clarified that only the survey method had been changed, and there had been no decision to abandon the project.

Unappeased with the change, the K-Rail Virudha Janakeeya Samithi maintained they would continue protesting until the project was abandoned.