Thiruvananthapuram: The maintenance cost of the Silverline History Train Corridor project proposed for the first 10 years will last up to RS 5,420 Crore, showing the great obligations carried by the state.
According to the executive summary of the detailed project report (DPR), this project is estimated to cost RS 63,940.67 Crore, which RS 33,626.97 Crore is a land cost expenditure.
It is said that maintenance costs will go up to RS 694 Crore / year after 10 years while salaries and benefits for employees are estimated to be RS 271 Crore / year.
However, the summary estimates that the economic return rate (EIRR) is 24.04% on the basis of the benefits obtained by the community – savings in travel time, vehicle operating costs, accident costs and stress roads.
It is said that this project is feasible economically because it is sustained itself as seen from the internal level of financial refund (FIRR) and has an EIRR above the mandated level.
This project has led to a large battle between the government and opposition, with both parties sticking to their stands and decided to directly present their argument to people.
There are reports of opposition to the project even in the LDF.