Kerala government is poised to take a significant step towards the much-anticipated Thiruvananthapuram metro project with the likely approval of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) and Alternate Analysis Report (AAR). These crucial reports are expected to secure the necessary funding from the Centre for the development of the metro rail system in the state capital.
Biju Prabhakar, who oversees the metro project, confirmed that the CMP and AAR have been approved from his side. However, the final approval lies with the state government, which is expected to make a decision in the coming weeks. Sources indicate that the approval could come as early as this month. The approval of the AAR, which outlines the project’s final alignment, marks a critical milestone in the metro rail’s development. Once the state government greenlights the AAR, it will be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Urban Affairs for further consideration. The AAR also includes recommendations for a conventional or medium-model metro system and emphasizes a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s parking and traffic systems to support the metro’s implementation. Loknath Behera, the Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), the executing agency for the project, expressed optimism about the state’s positive move. Behera stressed that securing funds from the Centre is pivotal for the project’s progression. However, before the plan reaches the Centre, it must receive approval from the Chief Minister’s office and the state cabinet.
The KMRL had recently submitted a revised report to the state government, outlining the proposed metro routes and alignment, which stretches from Kazhakkoottam to East Fort, passing through significant junctions such as Sreekaryam and Medical College. The report also explores the feasibility of incorporating underground metro sections and overground systems, especially around the Medical College junction, where challenges in the alignment need to be addressed. Additionally, the Detailed Project Report (DPR) was initially set to be submitted in January 2024, but delays, including the model code of conduct, meant only an executive summary was delivered. The full DPR, which will update the revised alignments and other key details, will be finalized soon with input from the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The metro project is expected to transform urban mobility in Thiruvananthapuram, contributing to the city’s infrastructure development and addressing growing transportation needs. The shift from a light metro to a medium metro model reflects the city’s recent growth and future potential, with plans for a metro yard at the Kariavattom University campus and elevated metro lines in less congested areas.
