RRTS is a foolish venture, election stunt: E. Sreedharan

Technocrat E. Sreedharan on Friday said the Kerala government’s proposed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod is “not feasible” and termed it a “foolish initiative” and an “election stunt”.

Mr. Sreedharan’s remarks came two days after the State Cabinet meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan gave in-principle approval to RRTS.

Speaking to reporters here, the technocrat said RRTS cannot be an alternative to the high-speed rail corridor and will be effective only for short distances of 60-70 kilometers from Kollam to Thiruvananthapuram.

“(RRTS) intention is to operate like a 60-70 kilometer suburban service. Those who know these things will call it a stupid initiative. It is just a show, an election game. There is no need to worry about it,” he said.

He said the speed of RRTS will be slow as there will be a station every 2-3 km. “This is unworkable,” he added.

Mr. Vijayan on Thursday said RRTS was being considered after the Union Railway Ministry did not approve the proposed high-speed rail line project SilverLine in Kerala.

Last week, Mr. Sreedharan had said that Kerala could hope to see a high-speed rail network that would reduce travel time from Thiruvananthapuram to Kannur to 3.15 hours as the Center is expected to officially announce the project soon.

Mr. Sreedharan, former managing director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), said that an office for the high-speed rail project has already been set up and work on preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) will begin there from February 2.