Thiruvananthapuram: In a massive policy shift, the newly formed United Democratic Front (UDF) government led by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan has officially scrapped the multi-crore Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project, popularly known as K-Rail. The landmark decision was taken during the state cabinet meeting held here today.
Addressing the media in a post-cabinet press briefing, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan announced that all land acquisition notifications issued for the controversial project stand completely frozen and de-notified.
”For years, ordinary citizens have suffered immensely under the shadow of this project, unable to sell, mortgage, or utilize their own land due to frozen acquisition procedures. Our government prioritizes the relief of our people over unviable mega-structures,” the Chief Minister stated.
Key Decisions from the Cabinet Briefing:
Removal of Yellow Markers: The Revenue Department has been strictly directed to immediately remove all the highly contested yellow concrete survey stones that were forcibly installed across public and private properties to mark the alignment.
Withdrawal of Protest Cases: The government will formally file recommendations in court to withdraw all criminal cases registered against citizens who participated in public agitations and anti-K-Rail struggles.
The Reason for the Scrapping: The Chief Minister reiterated that the project lacked a transparent Detailed Project Report (DPR), was economically unviable, and posed a major environmental disaster due to proposed high embankments that would obstruct the state’s natural water drainage system. He clarified that the administration is not against high-speed rail in principle, provided it is financially sound and eco-friendly.
Other Major Cabinet Decisions (May 20, 2026):
PSC Rank List Extension: To assist job aspirants who faced delays due to the recent assembly elections, the validity of all Kerala PSC rank lists has been extended until November 30, 2026.
Vision 2031 & 100-Day Plan: A 100-day action plan will kick off on June 1 to fast-track immediate public promises out of the UDF manifesto, setting a broader blueprint named ‘Vision 2031’.
New Appointments: Advocate Mohammed Shah has been appointed as the Additional Advocate General in the Kerala High Court.
