Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has submitted a revised project plan for a proposed 31-kilometre metro corridor in Thiruvananthapuram to the Kerala government. The design prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is presented as one of the country's most advanced metro systems and the updated blueprint incorporates concepts tailored for the capital's network. The first phase is planned to commence at Pappanamcode and to run along a corridor designed to integrate with existing urban arteries.

The proposed alignment will pass through Killippalam, Thampanoor, Secretariat, Palayam, Pattom, Medical College, Ulloor and Karyavattom before extending via Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Akkulam and Chacka to Eanchakkal. It is designed to link major transport, employment and public hubs, including Technopark, the airport, Thampanoor bus station, the railway station, the Secretariat and the Medical College, improving intermodal connectivity. The corridor is proposed to be constructed above existing roads to limit land acquisition and to integrate with current thoroughfares.

DMRC had prepared an earlier plan which was revised following suggestions and the updated blueprint has now been submitted by KMRL to the state. The project report contains ancillary development proposals that could be implemented alongside the network, covering station precincts and integration with local transport. The construction cost had earlier been estimated at around Rs 80 billion (bn) and officials have indicated that the final cost could rise, so the report sets out funding and implementation considerations for scrutiny.

The next major step is appraisal by the Kerala government and, if approved, the proposal will be forwarded to the Union government for further clearance and detailed planning. Separately, KMRL has submitted a plan for the proposed third phase of Kochi Metro to extend the network from Aluva to Angamaly via Nedumbassery and the airport. Four possible alignments were considered for the Angamaly extension and the airport route is currently under consideration with a mix of elevated sections and an underground stretch near the airport.

The Phase three alignment envisages fifteen stations including 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 the project assessment anticipates a substantial increase in ridership if the Angamaly route is realised. The revised submissions therefore seek to balance technical design, urban integration and financial viability ahead of formal approvals.