Thiruvananthapuram Metro Project Faces Fresh Delay Over Route Alignment Uncertainty: Report

The Thiruvananthapuram Metro project has encountered yet another hurdle after a high-level meeting chaired by State Chief Secretary A Jayathilak failed to resolve disagreements on the route alignment.

Stakeholders, including elected representatives and senior officials, pressed for underground lines through the city centre to safeguard heritage zones and preserve green cover, reported Times of India.

The current proposal outlines a 21 km corridor from Kazhakkoottam to Pappanamcode, touching key areas such as Karyavattom, Sreekaryam, Ulloor, Medical College, Pattom, PMG, Palayam, Statue, Overbridge, Thampanoor, Killipalam and Karamana.

However, several alternative alignments were floated at the meeting, with strong emphasis on tunnelling through sensitive areas like Palayam and Statue.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the implementing agency, had earlier submitted six alignment options that combine elevated and underground stretches.

"We proposed six options earlier. The ball is now in the state govt's court. Once the alignment is finalised, we can revise the detailed project report accordingly," KMRL managing director Loknath Behera, was quoted as saying by ToI.

The price difference is stark. Underground construction is estimated at Rs 250–550 crore per km, depending on terrain, while elevated sections come at far lower costs.

Heritage and environmental groups are pushing for underground routes in the city core, while some departments argue elevated lines are adequate for peripheral stretches.

Although the finance department cleared the project earlier this year, a final cabinet decision is pending.

The 2025–26 state budget has already earmarked funds for preliminary works, but until alignment issues are settled, timelines remain uncertain.

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