In a significant move towards sustainable urban mobility, Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has petitioned the union government for support in establishing a Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) across the state. This initiative, positioned as a linchpin for long-term transportation solutions, targets reduced carbon emissions and enhanced safety and efficiency.
The Chief Minister outlined the pressing need for a high-capacity, high-speed mass transit solution due to the state’s unique urban stretch across the Thiruvananthapuram–Kasaragod corridor. The initiative aims to alleviate severe traffic congestion and the socio-economic impacts these bring while catering to a high demand for efficient transit solutions, as evidenced by the high occupancy of Vande Bharat Express services in the region.
Emphasizing integration, Vijayan proposes a harmonized transport ecosystem where the RRTS would connect with metro systems and major airports. The government has tasked the State Transport Department with coordinating efforts alongside the National Capital Region Transport Corporation and the Ministry to explore the RRTS’s feasibility. This initiative could set a precedent for regional mobility improvements countrywide.
(With inputs from agencies.)