Union Minister pledges support for RRTS

The Centre will extend full support to Kerala for the implementation of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) once the State submits its detailed project report (DPR), Union Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs Manohar Lal Khattar has said.

He was addressing the inaugural session of the two-day Kerala Urban Conclave at which he was the chief guest. Mr. Khattar said that Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had already brought the rapid rail project to his attention. “The success of Kochi metro and Water Metro demonstrates Kerala’s potential in modern transportation infrastructure. The development works of the Kochi metro’s expansion are also progressing smoothly, with both the State and Central governments working hand in hand,” he added.

The Minister also cited similar collaboration between the Centre and the State in the ‘SmartCity’ projects being implemented in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram.

Calling Kerala a potential candidate to become the world’s longest linear city, Khattar pointed out that the 700-km stretch from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram could evolve into a continuous urban corridor. “In a few years, Kerala will achieve nearly 95% urbanisation and become the most urbanised State in India,” he said, adding that Kerala should aspire to match global benchmarks set by cities like Dubai, Singapore, London, and Washington.

“Kerala must aim to secure the top spot in the country in terms of urban development and liveability standards,” Mr. Khattar said.