Thiruvananthapuram: Known as the Metro Man, E. Sreedharan sharply criticised the Kerala Government’s recently announced Thiruvananthapuram-Kasaragod Regional Rapid Transit System (RRRTS) project on Friday. He described it as impractical, technically flawed, and a waste of public funds. His remarks came in response to the Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan’s statements made a day earlier.
Sreedharan stated that the RRRTS project offers no real benefit to Kerala and is inferior even to the previously proposed semi-high-speed rail project. He said, “Someone has misled the government. This is nothing but an attempt to deceive the public. Projects cannot succeed on announcements alone.”
He argued that the RRRTS could only be effectively implemented on the Thiruvananthapuram-Chengannur stretch. Extending it beyond this would require slowing down the trains, which would defeat the purpose of the system.
He questioned, “If the speed has to be reduced, what is the benefit of such a project?” Sreedharan also referred to the earlier high-speed rail project, mentioning that he had personally discussed it with the Chief Minister, who had expressed satisfaction and appointed officials for the project. However, the state government later hesitated to formally approach the Centre. He asked, “The Left government had initiated the project itself. Why this sudden change now?”
Sreedharan added that while state assistance was not necessary for surveys, government support was essential for land acquisition, without which no rail project can move forward. He said the shift from the high-speed rail to the RRRTS highlights technical failure and unclear policy thinking.
These comments came a day after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan stated at the Lok Kerala Sabha that the Railway Ministry had refused to approve Kerala’s proposed high-speed rail corridor, forcing the state to explore alternative options like the RRRTS.
Vijayan also targeted Sreedharan, linking delays to his proximity to central power centres. He recalled Sreedharan’s association with the BJP and his electoral candidacy during assembly elections.
On January 23, Sreedharan had announced that the Centre had decided to proceed with an alternative high-speed rail corridor for Kerala. The proposed 430-kilometre corridor from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur will be developed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, with Sreedharan as the chief advisor.
This line is expected to cover the distance in about three hours and 15 minutes, featuring 22 stations and connecting the state’s three major airports. Designed with elevated sections and tunnels to reduce land acquisition, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) is anticipated within nine months.
My name is Bhupendra Singh Chundawat. I am an experienced content writer with several years of expertise in the field. Currently, I contribute to Daily Kiran, creating engaging and informative content across a variety of categories including technology, health, travel, education, and automobiles. My goal is to deliver accurate, insightful, and captivating information through my words to help readers stay informed and empowered.
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