Thiruvananthapuram: The state government has recommended modifying the proposed alignment of the long-pending Thiruvananthapuram Metro rail project, aiming to shorten the existing route.

Earlier, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) proposed an alignment, suggesting that the terminal be built near Technocity in Pallippuram. However, the Department of Transport has now recommended updating the alignment to position the metro terminal and shunting yard closer to Technopark in Kazhakoottam.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has been tasked with examining the feasibility of commencing the metro near the busy Kazhakoottam junction. It is expected to investigate the viability of the new route and submit a report within two months.

Concerns have been raised about whether the necessary land can be acquired near Technopark for this purpose.

The land for the previous terminal location was identified near Technocity, close to Biopark and the Digital University. The earlier alignment also allowed passengers to travel on the metro without entering the city’s congested areas. Experts argue that altering this plan could diminish the significance of the metro. If the main terminal is located in Kazhakoottam, a tech hub, it may exacerbate existing traffic congestion. Many also question the scientific rationale behind this change.

The first phase of the metro is now proposed to run from Technopark to Putharikandam Maithanam.

The DMRC proposed that the metro line from Pallippuram to Kazhakoottam run along the National Highway. Since five kilometres of this route would be elevated, pillars would need to be constructed at height. The work to widen the National Highway to six lanes is expected to be completed before the metro construction begins. However, it is unlikely that the National Highways Authority will permit the road to be excavated for constructing metro pillars once the highway work is finished. This is one of the reasons behind the proposed alignment change.

The second phase of the metro line was proposed to run from Killipalam to Neyyattinkara. Now, the government has suggested evaluating the possibility of extending the metro from Palayam to Kudappanakunnu instead of following the initial plan.

Frequent changes to the metro routes have led to allegations that the project’s completion is being indefinitely delayed.