Archive · 31 Jan 2026
Kerala RRTS Project Sparks Debate
There is a big argument in Kerala about a new train project called RRTS.
E. Sreedharan, known as the Metroman, says it's not a good idea and a waste of money.
He thinks Kerala needs a high-speed train instead.
The Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, disagrees and says the RRTS is a good alternative because the central government didn't approve their high-speed train plan.
Other political leaders, like VD Satheesan from Congress and Rajeev Chandrasekhar from BJP, also think a high-speed train is better for Kerala.
They say the RRTS project was announced without proper studies and is not the best use of money.
The RRTS project is planned to cover 430 km with 22 stations and will be built by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation.
Sreedharan is the chief consultant for this project.
E. Sreedharan criticized the Kerala government's RRTS project, calling it impractical and a waste of money.
He argued that the project has no real utility for Kerala and is inferior to a semi-high-speed rail project.
Sreedharan claimed that the government was misled and that the shift from high-speed rail to RRTS reflects technical failure.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan defended the RRTS project as a viable alternative after the Railway Ministry denied approval for the high-speed rail corridor.
Opposition leaders from Congress and BJP also supported a high-speed rail project proposed by Sreedharan, stating it is more viable and necessary for Kerala.
- Who
- E. Sreedharan, Pinarayi Vijayan, VD Satheesan, K Muraleedharan, Rajeev Chandrasekhar
- What
- Debate over the Kerala government's RRTS project and the need for a high-speed rail project
- When
- On Friday and Saturday, following CM Vijayan's remarks
- Where
- Thiruvananthapuram, Kerala
- Why
- Sreedharan and opposition leaders believe the RRTS project is impractical and a waste of money, while Vijayan defends it as a necessary alternative. The opposition leaders also support a high-speed rail project proposed by Sreedharan.
E. Sreedharan, Congress, BJP
Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Government
Project Viability
E. Sreedharan, Congress, BJP
The RRTS project is impractical, technically flawed, and a waste of public money. A high-speed rail project is necessary for Kerala and is more viable.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Government
The RRTS project is a viable alternative after the Railway Ministry denied approval for the proposed high-speed rail corridor.
Government's Decision
E. Sreedharan, Congress, BJP
The government has been misled, and the shift from high-speed rail to RRTS reflects technical failure and lack of clarity in policy thinking.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Government
The decision to explore RRTS is a necessary step after the high-speed rail corridor was denied approval by the Railway Ministry.
Political Motivations
E. Sreedharan, Congress, BJP
The delay in the high-speed rail project is not due to political affiliations but rather technical and policy issues. The RRTS project was announced without proper studies.
Pinarayi Vijayan, Kerala Government
The delay in the high-speed rail project is linked to Sreedharan's proximity to 'power centres at the Centre' and his political affiliations.
- Project Name
- Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
- Critic
- E. Sreedharan
- Government Official
- Pinarayi Vijayan (Chief Minister of Kerala)
- Project Length
- 430 km
- Project Duration
- About three hours and 15 minutes
- Number of Stations
- 22
- Project Executor
- Delhi Metro Rail Corporation
- DPR Timeline
- Expected within nine months
- Opposition Leaders
- VD Satheesan (Congress), K Muraleedharan (Congress), Rajeev Chandrasekhar (BJP)
