Kerala has approved a new Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) for high-speed rail travel connecting Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod. This decision replaces the previously proposed SilverLine semi-high-speed rail project. The change came due to the Centre's "indifference" towards Kerala's earlier demands. The RRTS model has been successfully used on the Delhi-Meerut corridor. It supports speeds of 160-180 kmph and allows more stops, integrating with metro systems to ease last-mile travel and link four international airports in Kerala. The project will be built mainly on pillars, reducing land needs and avoiding public resistance seen with the ground-level SilverLine design. "This viaduct model will significantly reduce land acquisition and protect natural water flow," said Kerala officials. The RRTS plan covers 583 km across four phases. Phase 1, the Travancore Line (Thiruvananthapuram to Thrissur), will be 284 km long, linking Thiruvananthapuram and Kochi Metros, set for completion by 2033. Subsequent phases will extend from Thrissur to Kasaragod, connecting Kozhikode and Kannur metros. The estimated cost is around ₹1,92,780 crore. Funding will follow the Delhi RRTS model: 20% by Kerala, 20% by the Central government, and 60% from international loans. Technocrat E. Sreedharan confirmed working on a separate high-speed rail project backed by the Union Railway Ministry. However, details are pending. Unlike the high-speed rail and SilverLine (both up to 200 kmph), RRTS focuses more on metro integration and slightly lower speeds with more stops. Kerala aims to complete the entire RRTS network by 2036, offering a modern, eco-friendly transit system integrated with urban metros and airports.