Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has proposed a new Thiruvananthapuram Metro line from Kazhakkoottam Junction to Putharikandam Ground, spanning 14.9 km. This shift follows the scrapping of plans for a Pallippuram starting point, influenced by potential NHAI objections regarding road excavations. KMRL's Managing Director, Loknath Behera, highlighted the advantages of the new alignment, which connects key areas such as Technopark and the legislative assembly, and suggested future extensions to Pallippuram, Kudappanakunnu, and Neyyattinkara in phase II. The project’s phase I is estimated to cost INR 4,673 crores, with KRTL having been dissolved in 2022.
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has submitted a new proposal to the state transport department for the construction of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro, which will run from Kazhakkoottam Junction to Putharikandam Ground. The proposed line is 14.9 km long, and the cost will be determined once the government finalizes the alignment. The previous plan to start the service at Technocity in Pallippuram was scrapped after the government directed a reassessment of the alignment.
The decision was made after it became clearly visible that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) might not approve road excavations for constructing Metro pillars due to the 'defect liability' period. KMRL's Managing Director, Loknath Behera, mentioned that they submitted a technical report that included recommendations from various stakeholders. He stated that starting the Metro at Kazhakkoottam Junction would offer numerous advantages and enable quicker project initiation by avoiding procedural delays. Behera also indicated that they could consider Pallippuram in the future and revealed that they have three to four alternative options, although these details cannot be disclosed until the government makes a final decision. He highlighted that determining the alignment is the immediate priority before sending a final report to the government and inviting tenders.
Transport department sources noted that the national highway construction would be completed by the time the Metro project starts, but the middle section of the road would need to be excavated if the Metro pillars are constructed in Pallippuram. They explained that the elevated highway at Kazhakkoottam would require increasing the height of the Metro pillars, which would consequently raise the project costs. The new alignment will connect Technopark, Kariavattom university campus, Ulloor, Murinjapalam, Pattom, PMG, the legislative assembly, Palayam, Bakery Junction, Thampanoor, and Putharikandam Ground. Additionally, KMRL proposed three more alignments that incorporate LuLu Mall and other notable colleges and locations.
The new proposal indicated that the Metro could be extended to Pallippuram in Technocity during phase II. KMRL mentioned that extensions to Kudappanakunnu and Neyyattinkara could also be considered in this phase. According to the detailed project report submitted earlier by Kerala Rapid Transit Corp Ltd (KRTL), phase I of the Light Metro project, which spans 21.8 km from Pallippuram to Karamana, was projected to cost INR 4,673 crores. KRTL was established in 2021 for the project's implementation, but the state government dissolved it in 2022 due to objections from the Centre.
The new proposal for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro marks a significant step forward in urban transport development, highlighting the need for a practical and efficient alignment. By shifting the starting point to Kazhakkoottam Junction, KMRL aims to facilitate faster implementation and address logistical challenges. The integration of major hubs and potential future extensions indicates a forward-thinking approach to urban mobility. While the dissolution of KRTL presents challenges, the collaboration among stakeholders and the focus on technical possibility highlight a commitment to enhancing public transport in the region. Ultimately, this initiative could significantly improve connectivity and support sustainable urban growth.
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