KV Thomas too says SilverLine will be a 100% reality

KOCHI: SilverLine semi high-speed rail project will 100 per cent become a reality, said Prof KV Thomas, who functions as Special Representative of Government of Kerala in New Delhi with Cabinet rank, while talking to myfinpoint recently.

Thomas said talks are on with Centre and Railway Ministry in order to fast track the SilverLine project. He also said the Kerala Government is seriously weighing the suggestions given by the E. Sreedharan, the Metroman.

Prof KV Thomas has worn ‘several hats’ right from minister in the Kerala state Cabinet, chairman of Public Accounts Committee (PAC) under the Parliament, was the Minister of State in the Ministry of Agriculture and Minister of State in the Ministry of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution in the 2nd UPA Government.

Sharing his views on varied topics right from politics to development during the interview with myfinpoint, Thomas said the leaders such as the prime minister, Narendra Modi and the Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan are unique in their own way.

“While Modi’s hard work and focus on issues are really commendable, Pinarayi Vijayana’s will power has helped Kerala in getting different projects done,” he said adding that Gail project stands here as an ideal testimony.

He was all praise for K Karunakaran, the former chief minister of Kerala, for the very fact that Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) has become a reality just because of him.

CIAL for a difference, still continues to be a profit making venture in the state even as several of the government undertakings keep bleeding heavily leaving burden to the state exchequer.

Touching upon the financial stress the state is going through, Thomas said in no circumstances the development projects will suffer for want of funds. He cited the example of Cochin Airport project that encountered several roadblocks in the initial stage.

“But the sheer determination of the K Karunakaran took the project forward to its fruition. Today, Cochin Airport or CIAL is one of the best performing airports in the whole country,” he said.

However, Thomas remained tightlipped on the prospects of the shares of CIAL getting listed in the near future. “That is an internal matter and hence it’s not proper for me to say anything on that,” was his response to a query regarding listing.