Thiruvananthapuram: The Kerala government has given a major push to the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project, aimed at enabling swift, high-speed travel across the length of the state from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. A government order issued by the Transport Department has granted in-principle approval, signalling the state’s intent to move ahead rapidly with the ambitious plan.
The first phase of the project will connect Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur, with the remaining stretches to Kasaragod planned in three subsequent phases. The Cabinet has entrusted the Transport Department with coordinating approvals and discussions with the Union government, particularly the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs.
The 583-kilometre-long corridor is estimated to cost ₹1.92 lakh crore and is expected to be completed within 12 years. Once operational, the RRTS is expected to significantly reduce travel time and transform long-distance mobility within Kerala.
The state is also exploring the possibility of extending the corridor northwards to Mangaluru and southwards to Kanyakumari, subject to consultations with neighbouring states.
In a key departure from the controversial SilverLine project, the RRTS will largely run on elevated pillars and through tunnels, minimising land acquisition. The government has clarified that private land will be acquired only in exceptional circumstances, addressing public concerns over displacement while positioning the project as a future-ready transport backbone for Kerala.
