KMRL says TVM Metro project will cost Rs 11,000 cr; Final DPR in 2 months

Thiruvananthapuram: A preliminary assessment indicates that the proposed metro project for Thiruvananthapuram is expected to require an investment of Rs 11,000 crore. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has provided detailed information, including cost estimates, in the initial project report that has been submitted to the government for review.

The final DPR will be submitted to the KMRL government only after the end of the election model code of conduct.

The initial stage of the project encompasses a stretch of 27.4 km, commencing from Pallippuram Technocity to Pallichal and passing through areas like Karamana and Kaimanam. The subsequent phase covers a distance of 14.7 km, reaching up to Killipalam. This phase will encompass locations such as Kazhakoottam, Technopark, LuLu Mall, Chacka, and Eanchakkal.

Preliminary estimations indicate a projected expense of Rs 7,500 crore for the primary stage and Rs 4,000 crore for the ensuing phase. The project document, recently prepared, outlines the total expenditure encompassing construction and rehabilitation works. 

Prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) for KMRL, the project document also specifies Kazhakoottam and Killipalam as the terminal stations for the metro system. During the initial stage, flyovers will be built to facilitate the metro system, while underground pathways will be considered for specific areas in the subsequent phase.

Furthermore, the feasibility study for the project has been successfully completed, marking a significant milestone in its progress. The preliminary Detailed Project Report (DPR) was submitted to the government last February, with expectations of receiving central support for the capital's metro endeavour, modelled after the successful Kochi Metro.

The Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project was conceived in 2012, with the DMRC introducing the initial project plan in 2014. The original proposal suggested Pallipuram to Kaimanam in the first phase and an extension to Neyyattinkara in the second phase, with an estimated budget of Rs 4,219 crore. However, the project underwent a change in management in subsequent years. Initially designed as a light metro system, a study conducted by KMRL suggested that a medium metro system would be more suitable for meeting Thiruvananthapuram's transportation requirements, in line with the city's expanding infrastructure needs.