100 Crore for RRTS High Speed Rail to Enable Lightning-Fast Journey Across Kerala

Thiruvananthapuram: Funds have been allocated in the state budget for the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) project aimed at providing high-speed travel facilities across Kerala. An amount of 100 crore rupees has been earmarked for the initial preparatory works of the project.

Presenting the budget, Finance Minister K N Balagopal said that the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has expressed its support for the project. Planned based on the Delhi–Meerut RRTS, the Kerala project is envisioned in four phases. The state cabinet had recently given in-principle approval to the project. For granting final approval on the technical, financial aspects and loan sources of the 583-kilometre corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasargod, the Transport Department will submit a detailed report to the cabinet.

160–180 kmph Speed; Elevated Corridor

The Delhi–Meerut RRTS corridor has been implemented successfully. With operating speeds of 160–180 kmph, shorter station intervals, and high passenger capacity, the RRTS is considered suitable for Kerala as well. The system can be implemented as a grade-separated elevated corridor, significantly reducing land acquisition and avoiding obstruction to natural water flow. Most of the alignment will be elevated on pillars, with embankments or tunnels used only where absolutely necessary.

Integration with Metro Systems

The project can be integrated with urban metro systems. Kochi Metro and the proposed Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode Metro projects can be seamlessly connected with RRTS stations. As in the Delhi model, the funding pattern proposed for Kerala is 20% state government contribution, 20% central government contribution, and 60% long-term loans from international financial institutions.

Four Phases; Completion by 2033

In the first phase, the Thiruvananthapuram–Thrissur corridor will be taken up along with the integration of Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Metro systems. The 284-kilometre first phase is planned to begin construction in 2027 and be completed by 2033.

The second phase will cover Thrissur–Kozhikode, along with the Kozhikode Metro. The third phase will extend from Kozhikode to Kannur, and the final phase from Kannur to Kasargod. With cooperation from neighbouring states, the network can later be extended via Palakkad to Coimbatore, from Thiruvananthapuram to Kanyakumari, and from Kasargod to Mangaluru.

The government has envisioned the project in a way that enables the entire state-wide RRTS network to be completed within 12 years, creating a comprehensive high-speed transit system across Kerala.