THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (Metro Rail New): The Detailed Project Report (DPR) of the long-awaited Thiruvananthapuram Metro project has been submitted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the project’s implementing agency.
According to the Times of India, KMRL is currently reviewing the DPR. Afterwards, they will send it to the state government for approval, which is expected to be done in 30 days and later after the state government approves the project, it will move on to the central government for the final approval and work sanctions.
Earlier, the state government of Kerala had approved the alignment of the first phase of the metro in November, 2025. The cost of the project was estimated at a cost of approximately Rs 8,000 Crores.
Phase 1 corridor
The alignment of the first phase has not changed from the previously approved route. It will be a 31 km long corridor running between Pappanamcode and Enchakkal via Pattom, Government Medical College, Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam and Thiruvananthapuram International Airport. Kazhakkoottam is proposed for the maintenance depot of the Phase 1 corridor.
There will be 27 stations in the first phase. It includes the busiest areas, comprising the Techopark, major residential and commercial areas, the secretariat, railway station and airport.
Need for a Metro in Thiruvananthapuram
The Thiruvananthapuram metro project has been delayed for a long time. The city’s increasing number of vehicles and urban traffic congestion require a transportation upgrade. The city is a major commercial and technological hub in Kerala and it also serves as the administrative capital of the state. The project had faced uncertainty due to the population criterion under the National Metro Rail Policy, 2017.
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