The much-anticipated Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project is still grappling with delays in finalising its alignment, despite receiving a comprehensive report with six potential alignment options. The project, which is crucial for easing traffic congestion in the state capital, continues to face uncertainty as the state government has yet to decide on the most suitable alignment for the metro route.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the special-purpose vehicle (SPV) established by the state government to oversee metro projects, submitted a detailed report that includes six alignment proposals for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro. However, the final decision rests with the state government, which has yet to give its approval. As per a report in The New Indian Express, KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera stated that the company has submitted its recommendations to the government, but further steps can only be taken once the government makes its decision.

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Reports indicate that the alignment proposals are currently under review by the state’s finance department, which is crucial for approving the project’s financial feasibility. Once the finance department clears the plan, a high-level meeting involving the Chief Minister will be convened to discuss and finalise the alignment. This delay has raised concerns about the project timeline and the impact it may have on the expected completion dates.

One of the major factors contributing to the delay is the need for the alignment to meet the most passenger-friendly criteria. The government is focused on choosing an alignment that will be most beneficial to commuters, considering factors such as convenience, cost, and the potential for future expansion. This careful selection process is holding up the final decision, as multiple stakeholders, including local authorities and communities, have provided their input on the possible routes.

A potential issue in finalising the alignment is the route through the Secretariat area. If the metro line passes through this area, it would require a path that avoids any obstructions, and this has led to the consideration of alternate routes that may offer better convenience for commuters. However, no official decision has been made on this matter, and there are concerns about the feasibility of specific paths.

One of the more likely routes under discussion is from Bakery Junction to Thampanoor, which is considered suitable for an elevated metro option. However, finalising this alignment remains pending, as the government still needs to decide whether the metro will be constructed using pillars (elevated) or if an underground route would be more appropriate for certain parts of the city. This decision will play a significant role in determining the final alignment.

In addition to the technical and logistical challenges, there has been ongoing debate about the metro passing through Kazhakkoottam. This area’s inclusion has become a point of contention, with several stakeholders raising concerns over its impact. The ongoing construction of NH66 at Pallippuram has further complicated matters, with critics arguing that the route might not be suitable for the metro.

Despite these hurdles, the metro project remains a high priority for the state government, which sees it as a long-term solution to traffic congestion in the capital. With the alignment recommendations now with the government, a decision is expected to be made soon. Once the alignment is finalised, KMRL will be able to proceed with the next phases of planning and construction, paving the way for the much-awaited metro system in Thiruvananthapuram.

As the city waits for clarity, all eyes are now on the government to make a swift and decisive choice to move the project forward, ensuring that the Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project remains on track for timely completion.