The Kerala government has officially shelved the controversial SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project, bringing an end to one of the most debated infrastructure proposals introduced by the previous Communist Party of India (Marxist)-led administration.

Announcing the decision after a Cabinet meeting on Wednesday, Chief Minister V. D. Satheesan said the government would revoke all land acquisition notifications issued for the proposed rail corridor. The move marks a significant shift from the earlier government’s aggressive push for the multi-crore transport project that had faced widespread protests across the state.

The administration also indicated that it is considering the withdrawal of police cases registered against people who participated in anti-SilverLine demonstrations. Satheesan said the process would depend on legal procedures and court approval but stressed that the government intends to address concerns raised by affected residents and protest groups.

In another major Cabinet decision, the government approved an extension of the validity period of Kerala Public Service Commission rank lists until November 30. The extension was granted after limited appointments during the election period left many candidates uncertain about recruitment opportunities.

The SilverLine project was first unveiled in 2019 under the leadership of former Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Planned as a 530-kilometre rail corridor linking northern and southern Kerala, the project was promoted as a major step toward faster intercity connectivity and economic growth.

However, the proposal soon triggered intense opposition from residents, environmental activists and political groups who raised concerns over large-scale displacement, ecological damage and the impact of land acquisition in densely populated regions. Critics argued that thousands of families faced the risk of losing homes and livelihoods if the project moved ahead.

Environmental experts had also warned that elevated embankments proposed along large stretches of the route could interfere with Kerala’s natural drainage system and worsen flooding during heavy monsoon seasons. The project eventually lost momentum amid mounting protests and delays in securing approval from the Central government.

With the latest Cabinet decision, the new administration has now formally closed the chapter on the SilverLine proposal and signalled a broader policy shift on major infrastructure development in the state.