Kozhikode: The Kerala budget has announced plans for the construction of a metro rail station in the eastern part of the Kozhikode Railway Station, which is being renovated to international standards. Finance Minister K.N. Balagopal, in his budget speech on Friday, revealed that metro trains will soon run in Kozhikode, following the model of the Kochi metro. Although no funds have been allocated for the project yet, the minister assured that after Thiruvananthapuram, metro services will be extended to Kozhikode.
The announcement follows earlier declarations regarding the introduction of a mono rail and light metro in the city, with the government now committing to a full metro system. Unlike the previously considered light metro, the new plans focus on a comprehensive transport system involving the West Hill-Ramanattukara and Beach-Medical College routes. The funding for the project will come from 20 pc from the state government, 20 pc from the central government, and the remaining 60 pc through loans.
Previously, a mono rail and light metro project had been planned from Meenchanda to Medical College, and detailed project reports (DPRs) were prepared. However, the decision to revisit the plans was based on the central government’s evaluation of the changing nature of urban transport needs.
As part of this, a comprehensive mobility plan for the region, covering an area of 210 square kilometres that includes Kozhikode Corporation, Ramanattukara, Feroke municipalities, and the panchayats of Olavanna, Kunnamangalam, and Kadalundi, will be undertaken. The population of the region is estimated at 10.63 lakhs.
Light metro costlier than regular metro, says KMRL MD
Regarding the financial aspects of the metro rail project, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) Managing Director Lokanath Behra pointed out that the cost of implementing a light metro in Kozhikode would be higher than the regular metro. He explained, "Currently, the facilities to procure metro train cars and components are available here itself. However, for a light metro, many of the components would need to be imported."
The news gives a lot of hope to the residents of Kozhikode.
Published: 08 Feb 2025, 11:08 am IST
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