Centre assures full support for Kerala’s RRTS once DPR is submitted
UNION Minister for Housing and Urban Affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, has assured that the Centre will extend full cooperation to Kerala for the implementation of the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) once the State submits its detailed project report (DPR).
Speaking at the Kerala Urban Conclave in Kochi, the minister said the 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. Development works of Kochi Metro’s expansion are also progressing smoothly, with both the state and central governments working hand in hand,” Khattar said.
Highlighting India’s achievements in metro rail, he stated, “With 1,065 km of running metro, India is the third largest in the world after China and the USA, and in the coming 2–3 years, we will surpass the USA too.”
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,” the Union Minister said.
The Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan, in his inaugural address, said Kerala must approach urbanisation with the utmost seriousness.
“The pace of Kerala’s urban growth is higher than the national average. Today’s Kerala is a blend of major cities and numerous small towns. We must address the challenges arising from rapid urbanisation and seize the opportunities it presents. This vision is what we call ‘Nava Kerala’,” the Chief Minister stated.
Highlighting the State’s progress in infrastructure development, he noted that several projects admired worldwide have been successfully implemented in Kerala. Micro-level infrastructure projects have been taken up, and nearly 500,000 houses have been provided under the LIFE Mission, significantly improving the quality of life of ordinary citizens.
The Chief Minister stressed that urbanisation efforts must also focus on poverty eradication, waste management, environmental protection, and employment generation. Kerala will be declared a state free of extreme poverty on the upcoming Kerala Piravi Day, he announced.
He also emphasised the need to address emerging economic and employment patterns, including the welfare of gig workers, and to design urban development plans that accommodate work-from-home and hybrid work cultures. He called for discussions on making cities resilient to pandemics and ensuring barrier-free, disability-friendly infrastructure in all cities.
