Kerala Reviews Thiruvananthapuram Metro Alignment
The decision comes as the government assesses both ridership potential and urban development priorities. Current plans suggest extending the alignment to reach additional populous areas, enhancing public accessibility to the metro system. This is particularly relevant in the wake of projected population growth in Thiruvananthapuram, which has increased the urgency for an efficient mass transit solution to ease traffic congestion and reduce pollution levels.
Officials from DMRC and the Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) are considering factors such as land acquisition requirements, construction costs, and environmental clearances. Various stakeholder meetings have been held to incorporate feedback from residents, urban planners, and environmental experts.
If approved, the realignment could expedite the metro’s construction timeline and possibly reduce overall expenses. This shift in strategy reflects Kerala's broader goals to create a sustainable and accessible urban transit system. Finalizing the alignment will mark a pivotal step forward, potentially allowing construction to start early next year and meet the targeted completion deadlines.