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Kerala's Rail Crossroads: Vijayan Backs RRTS as Sreedharan Unveils Rival Plan

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has formally requested the Centre's support to initiate feasibility studies for a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) in the state. The proposed RRTS, with an estimated cost of Rs 1.92 lakh crore, aims to create a semi-high-speed rail backbone connecting major cities. However, veteran engineer E. Sreedharan has countered with a rival railway blueprint, criticizing the RRTS as impractical and financially unsound for Kerala. This clash of visions sets the stage for a high-stakes debate on the state's transport future, balancing transformative mobility against fiscal sustainability.

Key Points: Kerala RRTS vs Sreedharan's Rail Plan: Infrastructure Debate Heats Up

  • CM seeks Centre's support for RRTS
  • Sreedharan launches rival railway plan
  • Proposed RRTS phase from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur
  • Project estimated at Rs 1.92 lakh crore
2 min read

Kerala at 'rail crossroads' as CM Vijayan seeks RRTS support, Sreedharan offers rival vision

Kerala CM seeks Centre's support for RRTS, while E. Sreedharan proposes a rival railway blueprint, sparking a major infrastructure debate ahead of state polls.

"the RRTS concept impractical and financially unsound for Kerala's terrain and fiscal capacity - E. Sreedharan"

Thiruvananthapuram, Feb 14

Kerala's transport ambitions have entered a decisive phase, with Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, on Saturday, formally seeking the Centre's support to roll out a Regional Rapid Transit System, even as "Metro Man" E. Sreedharan unveiled a rival railway blueprint, setting the stage for a high-stakes infrastructure debate ahead of the state Assembly elections.

In a detailed letter to the Union Minister Manohar Lal Khattar, Vijayan requested facilitation of discussions with the National Capital Region Transport Corporation (NCRTC) to undertake feasibility studies for an RRTS corridor in Kerala.

The communication follows the State Cabinet's in-principle approval granted on January 28 and marks a formal pivot towards a semi-high-speed, high-capacity railway model.

The proposed first phase of the RRTS will run from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur, with the full 583-km alignment extending to Kasaragod over 12 years.

The estimated outlay is Rs 1.92 lakh crore.

The state government has positioned the project as the backbone of a unified mobility grid that would integrate metro systems in Kochi, Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, and link the state's major airports, significantly easing congestion along Kerala's densely populated linear urban corridor.

The move comes amid continued uncertainty over the state's earlier high-speed railway proposal.

By backing the RRTS and providing budgetary support, the Kerala government has signalled its intent to advance an alternative model while engaging the Centre for statutory clearances and funding options.

However, Sreedharan's intervention has sharpened the contest.

Launching an office for his own railway proposal, the veteran engineer Sreedharan credited with delivering projects such as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and Kochi Metro Rail Limited termed the RRTS concept impractical and financially unsound for Kerala's terrain and fiscal capacity.

He asserted that his model would be more viable and quicker to execute.

With two competing visions now in play, Kerala finds itself at a "rail crossroads".

The coming months are expected to test political resolve, technical feasibility and fiscal prudence in equal measure, as the state weighs transformative mobility against long-term financial sustainability.

- IANS

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Reader Comments

A
Ananya R
Rs 1.92 lakh crore? That's an astronomical sum. While the project sounds good, I'm with Sreedharan sir on this. We need to be practical. His experience with Delhi and Kochi Metro gives his blueprint more credibility. Let's not get carried away by fancy proposals before elections.
R
Rohit P
Typical political timing, just before elections. Both sides will make big promises. But honestly, any modern rail system is welcome. We've been talking about high-speed rail for a decade. Just get something built, whichever is more feasible and faster.
P
Priya S
As someone who travels between Kochi and Trivandrum often, this is exciting news! 🚄 The integration with airports would be a game-changer. But the cost is worrying. Hope they do a thorough feasibility study and don't burden the state with unsustainable debt.
M
Michael C
Interesting debate. Having seen the success of RRTS in Delhi-NCR, the model has potential. But Sreedharan's point about Kerala's terrain is valid—it's very different from the northern plains. A hybrid solution perhaps? The focus should be on long-term benefit, not political points.
K
Kavya N
We need infrastructure, but at what cost? Our state finances are not great. Sreedharan sir's model being "quicker to execute" is appealing. 12 years is too long for the full project. Can we have a phased, more affordable approach? Let experts decide, not politicians.

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