Although cities in Kerala have begun to think of Metro projects, it is intended for city mobility in.
For circumstances such as Kerala, intra-city mobility that will be faster will be important in the future.
When we develop and become a more vibrant economy, faster mobility will be a keyword.
The city currently has the main problem of congestion coupled with the mobility of pollution making it slower and boring.
Cities such as Bogota and Curitiba show the world that when the road space becomes limited, other choices must be considered.
Other cities choose the metro because it is the only mode that guarantees time-bound mobility.
If we look at examples such as Britain, the cities there have realized the importance of working as a cluster and facilitation of ‘Joint Authority’ enable the city to work together especially in areas such as transportation.
This concept is equally important for conditions like Kerala where from north to south many things are increasingly integrated.
In fact, in the future the technical limit of one district that separates it from others will not be relevant when it comes to movement and economic activities.
The national capital area is a classic example where Delhi’s boundaries do not have many relevance for people who move forward and backwards and all who are interested in mobility are smooth and fast.
In a state of more or less or less like Kerala, thinking about the future and the initial action for integrated mobility is very important and this is where the proposed silverline project is very important for the future.
The earlier we start investing in a critical future infrastructure project, the better.
With the Center for Infrastructure and In-Principle Principles and Railroads issued as partners in the process, the main economic activities that produce this economic activity must be a trend of setter for integrated modern Kerala and we do not need to think about how to provide smooth connectivity when other developments have occurred.
By taking this, the train does not need to plan separately for further rail repairs because Fast North South Connectivity requirements will be handled through this project.
Also, there will be several city development activities too.
Of course, I will assume that the requirements of citizens affected by the project will be taken care of appropriately.
On the financing side, funds, if available from international institutions such as JICA, interest rates will be much less.
Also, given that finance will be spread over five to 10 years, which can be a period of anticipated project settlement, the impact cannot be high in the state conditions.
Coupled with revenue from the project as soon as people are aware of the relevance of the project and passengers increases, the payment may not be impossible.
(The author has served as Secretary of the Urban Ministry of Union and then as an infrastructure advisor for the government.
As said to K P Sai Kiran)