The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has submitted a proposal to the state transport department for the construction of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro, extending from Kazhakkoottam Junction to Putharikandam ground, covering a distance of 14.9 km. The original plan to launch metro services at Technocity in Pallippuram was abandoned following a government directive to explore a new alignment. This decision was made after concerns arose that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) might not approve road excavation for metro pillar construction due to issues related to the ‘defect liability’ period.
The proposed route is expected to pass through the following locations: Technopark, Kariavattom University Campus, Ulloor, Murinjapalam, Pattom, PMG, Legislative Assembly, Palayam, Bakery Junction, Thampanoor, and Putharikandam ground. Additionally, KMRL plans to introduce three more alignments that will include LuLu Mall and other significant colleges and landmarks.
KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera noted that a technical report had been submitted, which included recommendations from various stakeholders. He explained that initiating the Metro from Kazhakkoottam Junction would provide several advantages, enabling them to start work quickly and circumvent procedural delays. Behera mentioned that the option of extending the line to Pallippuram could be revisited later, and indicated that there were three to four alternative options, though these would remain undisclosed until the government reached a final decision.
The new proposal also hints at the possibility of extending the Metro to Pallippuram in Technocity during Phase II, with potential extensions to Kudappanakunnu and Neyyattinkara also under consideration. According to the detailed project report submitted by the Kerala Rapid Transit Corp Ltd (KRTL), Phase I of the Light Metro project, which spans 21.8 km from Pallippuram to Karamana, is estimated to cost ₹4,673 crores.
