Archive · 30 Jan 2026
Kerala's RRTS Plan Criticized by Sreedharan
The Kerala government has approved a plan for a new high-speed transport system called RRTS to connect Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.
This comes after they had to stop another project called K-Rail.
A famous leader, E Sreedharan, who suggested this idea, now says it's not a good plan.
He thinks RRTS is only useful for short distances and not for long trips.
The government is sending a letter to the central government to show interest in this project, which is expected to cost around Rs 1 lakh crore.
The central government is still thinking about it.
Kerala Cabinet approves in-principle for RRTS from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod.
Project proposed by BJP leader E Sreedharan, known as Metro Man.
RRTS proposed after abandoning the K-Rail project due to lack of Railways backing.
Letter to be sent to Union government expressing interest in RRTS.
Project cost estimated at Rs 1 lakh crore, under consideration by the Centre.
- Who
- Kerala government and BJP leader E Sreedharan
- What
- Proposal and criticism of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
- When
- After the abandonment of the K-Rail project and following the state cabinet meeting
- Where
- From Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod in Kerala
- Why
- To connect the northern and southern parts of Kerala, but criticized for its feasibility
Kerala Government
E Sreedharan
Feasibility of RRTS
Kerala Government
The Kerala government believes the RRTS is a viable alternative to the abandoned K-Rail project and has approved it in principle.
E Sreedharan
E Sreedharan criticizes the RRTS as a 'foolish venture' and 'election stunt,' arguing it is not a suitable alternative to high-speed rail.
Purpose of RRTS
Kerala Government
The government sees RRTS as a means to connect Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, addressing the need for high-speed transport.
E Sreedharan
Sreedharan asserts that RRTS is only effective for short distances (60-70 km) and not for long-distance travel.
- Project
- Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS)
- Route
- Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod
- Approval Status
- In-principle approval by Kerala Cabinet
- Next Step
- Letter to Union government for interest
- Proposed by
- BJP leader E Sreedharan
- Project Cost
- Rs 1 lakh crore
- Union Government Consideration
- Under consideration
- Sreedharan's Criticism
- Terms RRTS as 'foolish venture' and 'election stunt'
- Effective Distance for RRTS
- 60-70 kilometers
- High-Speed Rail Project
- Under consideration by the Centre
Sources
After K-Rail fails to take off, Kerala looks to connect its north and south with a new high-speed transport system
Kerala Budget 2026: From rare earth corridor to RRTS – Here’s a look at key infra projects announced
Kerala govt’s RRTS ‘foolish venture’, ‘election stunt’: ‘Metroman’ E Sreedharan
