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The Thiruvananthapuram metro rail project's revised alignment is under active review by the state government, with a final decision expected soon. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) conducted a preliminary study on the updated alignment, running from Kazhakkoottam to East Fort via Sreekaryam and the Medical College, which aims to improve practicality and reduce disruption. Once approved by the finance department and cabinet, KMRL will revise the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for state and central approvals. The project prioritizes heritage conservation by avoiding elevated lines in central areas. Concurrently, Sreekaryam flyover construction is set to start soon, contributing to the city's infrastructure development.
The state government is expected to make a decision on the newly proposed alignment for the Thiruvananthapuram metro rail project within the coming weeks. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), responsible for executing the project, recently submitted a preliminary study report based on the updated alignment, which spans from Kazhakkoottam to East Fort via Sreekaryam and the Medical College, as suggested by the state government. Advertisement
The report is currently under review by the finance department. Once approved by finance, the final decision will be placed before the state cabinet, anticipated to happen soon. Biju Prabhakar, overseeing the metro rail project, confirmed that a government decision is likely in the coming weeks, mentioning that the report is under active consideration and that the government would decide promptly.
KMRL's Managing Director, Loknath Behera, noted that KMRL is awaiting the government's directive, with plans to revise the final Detailed Project Report (DPR) according to any recommendations. He explained that all feasibility studies were conducted with a focus on minimising disruption along the proposed stretches. Once the government approves the report, KMRL will promptly update the DPR, submit it for final approval from the state government, and subsequently seek clearance from the Centre.
In a bid to boost ridership, the state government had directed KMRL to conduct a feasibility study on this new alignment earlier in the year. The transport department raised concerns about the alignment originally suggested by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), considering it impractical.
The revised alignment proposed by the transport department involves beginning the metro line at Kazhakkoottam instead of Pallipuram as initially planned. This adjustment was made due to the narrow width of the new NH-66 median, which presents significant challenges for constructing metro pillars between Kazhakkoottam and Pallipuram. Additionally, the government recommended routing the metro through the medical college hospital area via Karyavattom instead of Kesavadasapuram.
To address heritage conservation considerations, the government suggested that an elevated metro line may not be feasible in central areas like Statue and Palayam. Instead, a metro yard was proposed at the Karyavattom University campus. KMRL had submitted an executive summary of the DPR to the state government earlier this year. The DPR had outlined two main alignment options: one following the Karyavattom-MG Road-Thampanoor-Killipalam route, and another through NH-66, covering Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam, Enchakkal, and Killipalam.
While the initial timeline anticipated the full DPR submission by early in the year, only an executive summary was provided, influenced by factors like the election model code of conduct. In the spring, a high-level meeting chaired by former chief secretary KM Abraham reviewed alignment options presented in the summary.
DMRC had also completed a 45km field survey late last year, encompassing the NH-66 route as part of preliminary DPR work.Meanwhile, construction of the Sreekaryam flyover is likely to commence soon, with Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd currently mobilising its workforce to the site.
The revised alignment of the Thiruvananthapuram metro rail project prioritises minimal disruption to sensitive areas and maximises passenger accessibility, addressing prior concerns over practicality and feasibility. With a decision expected soon, KMRL plans to update the DPR promptly to facilitate final state and central approvals. Meanwhile, construction on related infrastructure, such as the Sreekaryam flyover, is anticipated to begin shortly, marking a step forward in enhancing the city's transportation network.
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