"Kerala allocates ₹100 crore for the development of the 583-km TVM–Kasargod RRTS, marking a significant step toward the state's new high-speed rail vision."

Finance Minister K N Balagopal has earmarked ₹100 crore for preliminary works on a proposed Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) corridor connecting Thiruvananthapuram and Kasargod, modelled on the Delhi–Meerut RRTS.

With in-principle approval from the Centre, the State government plans to implement the 583-km project in four phases—Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur, Thrissur to Kozhikode, Kozhikode to Kannur, and Kannur to Kasargod.

The high-speed rail system is designed to operate at speeds of 160–180 kmph with fewer station stops and a high passenger-carrying capacity. Presenting the Budget, the Finance Minister said the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs has extended support for the project.