THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (Metro Rail News): Kerala has suffered a significant setback after Karnataka rejected three of its proposed interstate railroad projects due to environmental concerns. Basavaraj Bommai, the Chief Minister of Karnataka, made this announcement after meeting with Pinarayi Vijayan, the Chief Minister of Kerala on 18th September at the former’s official residence in Bengaluru.
Nilambur-Nanjangud, Thalassery-Mysuru, and Kasaragod-Dakshin Kannada are the three railway projects that are not feasible. Since Kerala had not yet shared the technical information on extending the project up to Managaluru, the discussion of the Silverline Semi-High Speed Rail Project was avoided. Pinarayi remained silent over the outcome of the talks, but Bommai told reporters that the projects by the Kerala Government suggested were not feasible.
However, according to information from the Kerala Chief Minister’s Office, the discussion covered a number of issues of concern to both States. It has been determined that both states would discuss the need for NH 766 to have an alternative path during the night while the National Highway Authority of India is preparing for the Mysore-Malappuram economic corridor. The alignment between Tholpetti and Purakkaattiri as well as between Sulthan Bathery and Malappuram will be jointly demanded by the two states.
According to Basavaraj Bommai, Karnataka would review the proposed Kanhangad – Panathur – Kaniyoor Railway Line project, which connects with the Northern and Southern regions of Kerala, and will also consider a policy decision to provide financial aid.
The meeting was attended by V Somanna the minister for the Karnataka Housing and Infrastructure department as well as the chief secretaries for Karnataka and Kerala, V P Joy and Vandita Sharma respectively and Sharada Muraleedharan the secretary for local self-development in Kerala.
