THIRUVANANTHAPURAM (Metro Rail News): The Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project has been awaiting the Kerala government’s approval for two months, and officials say a decision could take another month. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) submitted the project documents in August.
The file has been held up by repeated requests for clarification and slow coordination between the departments involved, including the metro rail division, the transport department and local self-government. “The DPR and the revised CMP are being examined, and the clarifications sought from KMRL are being processed. The matter will be placed before the chief minister for a decision after the examination is completed,” a senior government official said.
Population Criterion in Question
The National Metro Rail Policy, 2017, requires a population of 20 lakh for a conventional metro, and the government’s examination found Thiruvananthapuram short of that mark. KMRL maintains the city qualifies, with a population of about 26 lakh as per the 2011 Census across the corporation, three municipalities and 51 grama panchayats covering 1,194 sq km.
Project Details
The previous LDF government approved the first-phase alignment in November 2025 after review by a high-level committee. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation prepared the detailed project report, which KMRL submitted to the state.
| Information | Details |
| Phase 1 route | Pappanamcode to Enchakkal, about 31 km |
| Stations | 27, including Thampanoor, Palayam, Sreekaryam, Technopark, Kazhakkoottam and the international airport |
| Estimated cost | About ₹8,000 crore |
| Intermodal hubs | Pappanamcode and Anayara |
| Depot | Kazhakkoottam |
Once the state government clears the project, it will go to the state cabinet and then to the Union Government for final approval. The city’s rising traffic and vehicle numbers have made the metro a priority alongside planned flyovers and road works.
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