Kerala’s Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, has formally requested the Centre’s assistance in implementing a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS). This move comes as E. Sreedharan, known as “Metro Man,” introduced a competing railway plan, sparking a significant infrastructure discussion ahead of the state’s Assembly elections. Vijayan’s letter to Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar seeks collaboration with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to conduct feasibility studies for an RRTS corridor in Kerala.
The State Cabinet’s recent approval on January 28 has paved the way for a semi-high-speed, high-capacity railway system in Kerala. The initial phase of the RRTS is proposed to connect Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur, with plans to extend the route to Kasaragod covering a total of 583 kilometers over 12 years. The estimated cost for this ambitious project stands at Rs 1.92 lakh crore.
Kerala envisions the RRTS as a crucial component of an integrated mobility network that will unify metro systems in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram, and Kozhikode, while also linking major airports in the state. This initiative aims to alleviate congestion along Kerala’s densely populated urban corridor. The state’s decision to endorse the RRTS and allocate financial support underscores its commitment to pursuing an alternative model, seeking necessary clearances and funding options from the Centre.
E. Sreedharan’s entry into the fray has intensified the debate. The veteran engineer, renowned for his work on projects like the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Kochi Metro Rail Limited, has criticized the feasibility and financial viability of the RRTS for Kerala’s topography and financial constraints. Sreedharan is advocating for his own railway proposal, emphasizing its practicality and efficiency in execution. With divergent visions now competing, Kerala faces a critical juncture in its railway development trajectory.
