Kerala Government Nears Approval of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project
Metro rail project in Kerala’s capital, Thiruvananthapuram, is finally nearing approval by the state government. The project has received strong backing from the Kerala government, with the alignment now reportedly cleared by the finance department. A final decision regarding the alignment will be taken soon after a detailed presentation to Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. Once the CM gives his approval, the project will move to the cabinet for final endorsement, which is expected by the end of this month.
The project, which aims to transform Thiruvananthapuram into a modern and efficient urban hub, is poised to significantly improve the city’s public transport system. Transport Secretary Biju Prabhakar confirmed that a presentation on the project’s alignment would be made shortly to the Chief Minister, following which it will be submitted to the state cabinet for approval. With a target start date set for this year, the metro project promises to offer a modern solution to the city’s traffic woes, providing a sustainable and efficient mode of transport for residents. While the exact final route has not yet been disclosed, sources indicate that the metro’s alignment will begin in Kazhakkoottam in the northern part of the city. The metro line will likely pass through some of the busiest parts of the city, providing much-needed relief to commuters. The Kerala government had previously approved the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) and alternate analysis report (AAR) to secure funding from the central government.
The metro project has now reached a critical phase, with the final alignment report awaiting approval. KMRL (Kochi Metro Rail Limited), the agency responsible for the project, has submitted an executive summary of the detailed project report (DPR) to the state government. The DPR initially presented two alignment options: one passing through Karyavattom, MG Road, Thampanoor, and Killipalam, and another that will follow the National Highway 66 route through Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam, Enchakkal, and Killipalam. In the 2025-26 budget, the Kerala government allocated funds for preliminary works for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro project, signalling the high priority given to the initiative. KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera expressed confidence that a swift decision on the alignment would pave the way for rapid progress. As the government fast-tracks the approval process, the construction of critical infrastructure for the metro project has already begun. The Sreekaryam flyover, an essential part of the metro system, has started its construction, further cementing the project’s momentum.
The Thiruvananthapuram Metro is set to bring a significant transformation to the city’s urban landscape. Local residents are eagerly awaiting the project’s completion, which is expected to ease traffic congestion and offer a reliable and sustainable alternative to private transport. The project is particularly crucial for the growing city, where public transport options have often been insufficient to meet the demands of its expanding population. Residents, especially those commuting from the northern parts of the city, will benefit from improved mobility. With Thiruvananthapuram’s road network often overwhelmed by traffic, the metro promises to be a game-changer in terms of accessibility and connectivity.
As the state government finalises the approval process for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro rail project, the anticipation surrounding the project continues to build. Once completed, the metro will not only improve the daily commute for thousands of residents but also contribute significantly to reducing urban pollution and promoting sustainable transport in Kerala’s capital. The metro’s implementation is set to serve as a model for other cities in the state, ensuring that Kerala moves closer to its goal of creating a modern, efficient, and eco-friendly urban transport system.
