Kerala is set to take a major leap in public transport as the state government moves ahead with plans to implement a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS), reigniting discussions on high-speed rail connectivity. The ambitious project envisions a 583-kilometre corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, designed to transform mobility across the state.
The Cabinet has given in-principle approval to the project and directed the Transport Department to begin consultations. Kerala will soon formally convey its interest to the Central government. Once the Centre grants in-principle clearance, the state will enter into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), after which detailed technical, financial, and funding proposals will be placed before the Cabinet for final approval.
High-speed rail is a cornerstone of the government’s long-term development vision, aimed at reducing travel time, strengthening regional connectivity, and expanding access to employment and education. Considering Kerala’s dense population and sensitive geography, the government has identified RRTS as the most practical and socially acceptable model, drawing inspiration from the successful Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor.
With operating speeds of 160–180 kmph, fewer station stops, and high passenger capacity, the RRTS is tailored to Kerala’s needs. The system is planned to be fully grade-separated and largely elevated, minimising land acquisition, preserving natural water flow, and reducing environmental impact. Embankments and tunnels will be used only where unavoidable.
The project will follow a funding pattern similar to Delhi’s RRTS model: 20% of the cost will be borne by the Kerala government, 20% by the Centre, and the remaining 60% raised through long-term loans from international financial institutions. Phased implementation is expected to ease the financial load on the state.
Execution will be carried out in stages.
- Phase One (Travancore Line): Thiruvananthapuram–Thrissur (284 km), to be developed alongside the Thiruvananthapuram Metro and integrated with Kochi Metro. Construction is planned to begin in 2027, with completion targeted for 2033.
- Phase Two: Thrissur–Kozhikode (Malabar Line), along with Kozhikode Metro.
- Phase Three: Kozhikode–Kannur (Kannur Line).
- Phase Four: Kannur–Kasaragod.
Future extensions are also on the anvil, with potential links to Coimbatore via Palakkad, Kanyakumari from Thiruvananthapuram, and Mangaluru via Kasaragod, in collaboration with neighbouring states. By running multiple phases in parallel, the government aims to realise a comprehensive statewide RRTS network—including Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Metro systems—within the next 12 years.
