Kerala CM updates on Thiruvananthapuram Metro, raps MLA for question on Tirur-Nilambur metro line

Thiruvananthapuram: Responding to queries raised by four Thiruvananthapuram MLAs regarding the progress of the Metro Rail project in the Assembly constituency, the Kerala Chief Minister stated that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has entrusted the preparation of the Detailed Project Report (DPR) with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Limited (DMRC) in line with the new metro policy of 2017.

The Chief Minister stated that detailed information on the project’s cost, metro route and other specifics will be available once the DPR is finalised. The queries were raised by legislators V K Prasanth, Kadakampally Surendran, O S Ambika and K Ansalan.

Progress of metro projects in Kerala

The state government is expected to finalise the alignment of the Thiruvananthapuram metro by the end of this month, with KMRL submitting multiple suggestions. Technopark is a key catchment area, and potential routes may pass through Sreekaryam, Medical College and Pattom Junction.

KMRL has also completed the DPR for the Kozhikode metro, with both cities opting for conventional metro systems over light metros.

The cost-sharing arrangement will follow a 20:20:60 ratio between the Union and state governments, with the remaining portion covered by loans.

Tirur-Nilambur metro proposal

A request for a metro line between Tirur and Nilambur in Malappuram was also raised in the Assembly, provoking a strong response from Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. The request was made by Kurukkoli Moideen of the Indian Union Muslim League through a calling attention motion. 

The Chief Minister acknowledged the right of legislative members to raise such matters but criticised the lack of feasibility consideration before proposing it. He further emphasised that no government in the state could consider a metro line between Tirur and Nilambur within the next decade.