Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is reported to have submitted a fresh proposal to the state transport department, recommending the construction of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro along a 14.9km route from Kazhakkoottam Junction to Putharikandam Ground. It is understood that the cost estimation for the project will be determined once the government reaches a final decision on the alignment.
The initial plan to begin the service at Technocity in Pallippuram was reportedly scrapped after the government instructed that a new alignment be considered. This decision is said to have been made in light of concerns that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) might not approve road excavation for the construction of Metro pillars due to the 'defect liability' period.
KMRL’s Managing Director, Loknath Behera, is believed to have stated that a technical report incorporating suggestions from various stakeholders had been submitted. He noted that starting the Metro at Kazhakkoottam Junction would offer several benefits, allowing work to commence without procedural delays. Behera also indicated that Pallippuram could be considered at a later stage, but refrained from disclosing alternative routes until the government makes a final decision.
Sources from the transport department reportedly noted that national highway construction in the area would be completed by the time the Metro project begins, and digging up the centre of the road for Metro pillars in Pallippuram would be necessary if that alignment were pursued. Furthermore, the elevated highway at Kazhakkoottam would require the Metro pillars to be raised, increasing the project's overall cost.
The new proposed alignment is said to link Technopark, Kariavattom University Campus, Ulloor, Murinjapalam, Pattom, PMG, the legislative assembly, Palayam, Bakery Junction, Thampanoor, and Putharikandam Ground. KMRL is also reported to have suggested three additional alignments, which include LuLu Mall and other prominent colleges and locations.
Additionally, KMRL has proposed that the Metro could be extended to Pallippuram in Technocity in Phase II, with possible extensions to Kudappanakunnu and Neyyattinkara also being considered in the second phase. According to an earlier detailed project report submitted by Kerala Rapid Transit Corp Ltd (KRTL), Phase I of the Light Metro project, which was expected to span 21.8km from Pallippuram to Karamana, had an estimated cost of Rs 4,673 crore.
It is understood that KRTL, formed in 2021 to implement the project, was dissolved by the state government in 2022 following objections from the central government.
