Thiruvananthapuram Metro moves closer; Inside the new 31-km route plan

Kochi: Plans for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro have moved a step forward, with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) submitting a revised project plan for the proposed 31-km corridor to the Kerala government.

The project, designed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), is being envisioned as one of the country's most advanced metro systems, according to KMRL. The revised blueprint reportedly incorporates several new concepts proposed specifically for the capital city's metro network.

The first phase of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro is planned over 31 kilometres, starting from Pappanamcode.

The proposed route will pass through: Killippalam, Thampanoor, Secretariat, Palayam, Pattom, Medical College, Ulloor and Karyavattom, before extending through Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Akkulam and Chacka to Eanchakkal.

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The alignment is designed to connect several of Thiruvananthapuram's major transport, employment and public hubs, including Technopark, the airport, Thampanoor bus station, railway station, Secretariat and Medical College.

The metro corridor is proposed to be constructed above existing roads.

Revised blueprint after changes suggested

DMRC had prepared an earlier project plan for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro. However, changes were subsequently suggested, prompting a revision of the blueprint.

The updated plan has now been submitted by KMRL to the state government.

Apart from the metro corridor itself, the project report also contains proposals for development projects that could be implemented alongside the network.

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Cost likely to go beyond earlier Rs 8,000 crore estimate

The construction cost of the proposed project had earlier been estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore. However, officials have indicated that the final cost could rise.

The next major step for the project will be scrutiny by the Kerala government. Once the state approves the proposal, it will be forwarded to the Union government for further approval.

Kochi Metro's proposed third phase heads towards Angamaly

Meanwhile, KMRL has submitted the project plan for the proposed third phase of Kochi Metro, which envisages extending the network from Aluva to Angamaly through Nedumbassery and the airport.

Four possible alignments had been considered for the Angamaly extension. The route via the airport is currently under consideration.

According to the proposed plan, the metro corridor would run above the road from Aluva to Kariyad. A section near the airport is planned underground, following which the route would again continue above the road.

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15 stations proposed on Aluva-Angamaly corridor

The proposed Kochi Metro Phase 3 alignment includes 15 stations: Thottakkattukara, Kunnumpuram, Parambayam, Nedumbassery, Athani, Kariyad, Airport Railway Station, Airport, Nayathode, Kavaraparambu, Areekkal Junction, LF Hospital, Angamaly Town, Kothakulangara and Kariyampuram.

A metro connection to the airport has been a long-standing demand, and transport studies for the proposed expansion had been conducted earlier.

If the Angamaly route becomes a reality, it is expected to bring a substantial increase in metro ridership, according to the project assessment.