Kochi: Union minister for housing and urban affairs, Manohar Lal Khattar, has assured that the Centre will extend full cooperation to Kerala for implementing the Regional Rapid Transit System (RRTS) once the state submits its Detailed Project Report (DPR).

Addressing the Kerala Urban Conclave 2025 in Kochi as the chief guest, Khattar said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had already raised the proposal with him. “The success of Kochi Metro and the Water Metro reflects Kerala’s strength in building modern transport systems. The metro expansion is progressing smoothly, with the state and Centre working hand in hand,” he said.

The Minister also underlined similar coordination in the Smart City projects underway in Kochi and Thiruvananthapuram. Calling Kerala a strong contender to emerge as 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 the coming years, Kerala will achieve nearly 95 per cent urbanisation and become the most urbanised state in India,” he said.

Khattar urged Kerala to set its sights on global standards of urban excellence. “Kerala should aspire to match the benchmarks of cities like Dubai, Singapore, London, and Washington. It must aim to secure the top position in India for urban development and livability,” he added.