Govt to approve new Thiruvananthapuram Metro alignment this month

08 Nov 2024 CW Team

The state government is expected to finalise the new alignment for the Thiruvananthapuram metro rail project later this month. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), the executing agency, recently submitted a preliminary study report based on the proposed alignment from Kazhakkoottam to East Fort via Sreekaryam and Medical College. The report is now under review by the finance department, which will forward it to the state cabinet for a final decision.

Biju Prabhakar, overseeing the project, confirmed that the state’s approval is anticipated soon. KMRL MD Loknath Behera noted that the agency would update the detailed project report (DPR) as per the government’s recommendations. "The new alignment, designed to minimise impact, is under active consideration. Upon approval, we’ll adjust the DPR and submit it for further approvals," Behera said.

To enhance ridership, the state had directed KMRL to reassess the alignment in July, as the original route proposed by DMRC was deemed impractical. The revised plan starts the metro line at Kazhakkoottam instead of Pallipuram due to NH-66’s narrow median, which complicates construction. Additionally, the route now includes the Medical College via Karyavattom and avoids elevated sections in heritage-sensitive areas such as Statue and Palayam. A new metro yard location has been suggested at the Karyavattom University campus.

KMRL had previously provided an executive summary of the DPR, presenting two main routes: one via Karyavattom-MG Road-Thampanoor-Killipalam, and another through NH-66. The full DPR’s submission was delayed by various factors, including election-related restrictions.

Separately, construction on the Sreekaryam flyover is set to begin this month, with Cherian Varkey Constructions Ltd mobilising its workforce on-site. (TOI)

Infrastructure Urban

06 Jul 2026

ABS Marine Sees CRISIL Credit Rating Upgrade

ABS Marine Services has secured an upgrade to its long term and short term credit ratings from CRISIL, reflecting improved profitability and revenue growth through long term contracts. CRISIL moved the long term rating from BBB+/Stable to A-/Stable and revised the short term rating from A2 to A2+. The action signals strengthened financial metrics and operational resilience. The company benefited from durable client relationships with firms such as ONGC and Schlumberger. The rating decision followed stronger cash flows and an enlarged bank loan facility, which increased from Rs 3,705 million (m..

Project BRAHMANK Marks 16 Years Of Strategic Roads In Arunachal

Project BRAHMANK is marking 16 years of work to establish strategic road and bridge links across Arunachal Pradesh, maintaining and developing 811 kilometres of roads and nearly 86 bridges that range from small culverts to large steel and arch bridges. These transport links are described as critical for ensuring year-round movement of defence personnel, equipment and essential supplies while improving everyday travel for people in remote villages. The project balances national security requirements with regional development by focusing on reliable access in challenging terrain. Notable enginee..

Longleng CSOs Give One Week Ultimatum Over Two-Lane Highway

Civil society organisations (CSOs) in Longleng district have demanded immediate restoration of the deteriorating Changtongya–Longleng two-lane road and sought a detailed status report on the stalled construction within one week. The demand followed a consultative meeting convened under the Phom Peoples' Council (PPC) to discuss welfare and development concerns. PPC president YB Angam Phom said prolonged non-maintenance had caused hardship to commuters and affected transportation, local commerce and the district's development. The meeting urged authorities to undertake immediate restoration a..