Kerala’s New Speed Demon: The 583km RRTS Corridor

The Kerala State Cabinet has granted in-principle approval for a regional rapid transit system (RRTS) project spanning 583 km from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.

The proposed RRTS is being positioned as an alternative to the SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project, which faced technical objections from Indian Railways and resistance from local communities. The state government will formally convey its intent to the Centre, while the transport department has been directed to initiate consultations on the project.

Designed to operate at speeds of 160–180 kmph with high passenger capacity, the RRTS is considered a more practical and socially acceptable solution. The system can be fully elevated and is planned to integrate with existing and proposed urban Metro networks, improving last-mile connectivity and reducing dependence on private vehicles.

The first phase of the project, covering a 284-km stretch from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur, is expected to commence in 2027 and be completed by 2033. Funding for the project will follow a model similar to the Delhi RRTS, with contributions from the state government, the Centre, and international financial institutions. As noted in the official release, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has expressed a favourable view, citing the successful implementation of the RRTS by the National Capital Region Transport Corporation in the Delhi-NCR region.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.