News Brief
Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project: Cabinet Nod Expected After Kerala CM Vijayan’s Approval of Alignment, Says Report
An illustration of Thiruvananthapuram (K-rail)
The Thiruvananthapuram Metro project is set to receive state government approval soon, with the finance department reportedly granting a green signal to the alignment proposal, Times of India reported citing government sources.
However, the final decision will reportedly be made only after a detailed presentation before Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
Once the chief minister approves the alignment, it will be placed before the state cabinet for its nod, which is expected by the end of the month.
The Metro’s route is expected to commence from Kazhakkoottam in the north, but the government has yet to disclose the final route.
Transport Secretary Biju Prabhakar, who is overseeing the project, confirmed that an alignment analysis is underway.
“The alignment is being analysed. I will look into it once I receive the file. Then, the presentation will be done for CM's approval and subsequently be submitted for cabinet nod. We expect it soon,” he was quoted as saying by ToI.
The project is being implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), whose Managing Director Loknath Behera emphasised its importance.
“The project being mentioned in the budget itself indicates that the govt has given priority to it. So, we expect a decision from the govt at the earliest,” he said.
KMRL has reportedly also urged the state government to finalise the alignment as soon as possible, as approval of the Alternative Analysis Report (AAR) and Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) is crucial for securing central funding.
The Detailed Project Report (DPR), submitted in February 2024, had proposed two alignment options—one via Karyavattom, MG Road, Thampanoor, and Killipalam, and another through NH 66 covering Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam, Enchakkal, and Killipalam.
Meanwhile, construction of the Sreekaryam flyover, a key component of the Metro project, has already commenced, marking a significant step forward.
