State Cabinet Approves 583‑km RRTS Project On 5 February 2026 the Kerala cabinet gave formal approval to a 583‑km Regional Rapid Transit System that will run from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod, with an estimated cost of ₹1.92 lakh crore and a phased rollout slated for completion by 2036 [1]. The corridor is intended to address perceived central neglect and to boost statewide connectivity, linking four international airports and integrating with existing metro networks [1]. The project is positioned as a flagship infrastructure initiative for the state’s transport future [1].

Trains to Operate at 160‑180 km/h Across Four Phases The RRTS will use train sets capable of 160‑180 km/h and feature short station intervals to serve both urban and inter‑city passengers [1]. Construction is divided into four phases; Phase 1 (Travancore Line) covers 284 km from Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur and is scheduled for 2033 completion, after which the line will extend through Malabar, Kannur and Kasaragod [1]. Integration with the Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi metros is planned to provide seamless last‑mile connectivity to the region’s major airports [1].

Funding Mirrors Delhi Model While Central Outlay Covers Ongoing Works The financing structure follows the Delhi RRTS model, with the Kerala government and the Union government each contributing 20 % of the ₹1.92 lakh crore cost and the remaining 60 % sourced from long‑term loans of international lenders [1]. In a separate budget announcement on 2 February 2026, the Centre earmarked ₹3,795 crore for Kerala rail projects in FY 2026‑27, a figure that represents the cumulative cost of works already under way rather than new spending for the RRTS [2]. This distinction clarifies that the central outlay supports ongoing third‑line and station upgrades, while the RRTS relies on a loan‑heavy model for its capital requirements [1][2].

E. Sreedharan’s High‑Speed Rail Gains Central Backing Technocrat E. Sreedharan announced he is collaborating with the Union Railway Ministry on a high‑speed rail proposal for Kerala, a claim later confirmed by Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw, though no detailed plan or timeline has been released [1][2]. The high‑speed rail concept differs from the RRTS in speed targets (200 km/h) and design emphasis, and it remains separate from the viaduct‑dominant RRTS corridor [1]. Sreedharan’s involvement underscores the state’s broader ambition to develop multiple rail corridors alongside the newly approved RRTS [1][2].