A political controversy has arisen in Kerala following the State government’s unveiling of the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). Industries Minister P. Rajeev clarified that the Centre has not officially communicated any decision on a high-speed rail corridor or the reported involvement of ‘Metro Man’ E. Sreedharan. Rajeev emphasized that the State government has not received any formal intimation from the Centre regarding the proposed project or Sreedharan’s appointment.
The Minister expressed support for the concept of a high-speed rail corridor but highlighted the lack of clarity on the Centre’s recent actions. He stressed the necessity of official communication from the Centre for meaningful discussions to proceed. Rajeev mentioned that technical evaluations could follow after the Union Budget, potentially including related announcements.
E. Sreedharan criticized the State government’s RRTS project, labeling it impractical, technically flawed, and a waste of public funds. He questioned the project’s utility for Kerala, suggesting it was even inferior to a semi-high-speed rail initiative. Sreedharan accused someone of misleading the government and cautioned against mere announcements without ensuring project viability.
AICC General Secretary and Alappuzha MP K.C. Venugopal lambasted the State government for announcing the RRTS project without obtaining Central approval. Drawing parallels with past instances, Venugopal criticized the government for rushing into project announcements without proper groundwork. He alleged that the State hurriedly disclosed the RRTS in the Budget following reports of a high-speed rail proposal and Sreedharan’s discussions with a Union Minister.
