Green signal for RRTS project; Kerala to submit proposal to central govt

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government is putting effort to implement the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) model as an alternative to the Silverline project. The transport department issued an order in this regard. The approval was given for the first phase from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 1,92,780 crore. The state issued the order after the Centre denied high-speed rail and other benefits to Kerala in the budget.

It is reported that the project will be extended to Kasaragod in phases later. The system under discussion will not require reservations and will allow trains to run in both directions at fixed times. The construction will be made in a way that most routes pass through pillars and viaducts.

The National Capital Regional Transport Corporation (NCRTC), which implemented the Delhi-Meerut Rapid Rail, is preparing the DPR for a similar project in Karnataka. Kerala is reportedly in informal talks with the NCRTC. In Tamil Nadu, Chennai Metro has also identified an agency for the Rapid Rail. Considering population density and environmental concerns, the priority is given to the route through pillars to reduce land acquisition.