The state government is expected to soon approve the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) and alternate analysis report (AAR) in order to secure funding from the Centre for the proposed metro rail project in Thiruvananthapuram. As the first step, Biju Prabhakar, who oversees the metro project, approved the CMP and AAR. He stated that the approval was granted from his side for obtaining funds from the Centre, but the final decision rests with the state government. The approval of the AAR, which includes the project's final alignment, is a crucial step in the implementation of the metro rail project. Once approved by the state, the AAR will be forwarded to the Union Ministry of Urban Affairs. The AAR, which was submitted to KMRL by the CMP in August 2023, recommends either a conventional or medium-model metro. It also emphasises the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the city's parking facilities and traffic system. Loknath Behera, MD of Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL), the executing agency for the project, noted that this move is the first positive step from the state government and that securing funds from the Centre is essential to move the project forward. He mentioned that before sending the proposal to the Centre, a decision must be made at the Chief Minister's level, followed by a cabinet decision. Behera acknowledged that this is a significant step towards implementing the metro project. KMRL had recently submitted a revised report to the state government regarding the planned routes and alignment for the metro project. The report examines the feasibility of implementing both underground and overground metro systems and assesses the proposed alignment from Kazhakkoottam to East Fort, via Sreekaryam and Medical College junction. Among the options being considered is whether the alignment should pass through the Medical College junction and which sections may require an underground rail system. In February 2024, KMRL submitted an executive summary of the detailed project report (DPR) to the state government. The DPR had initially proposed two primary alignments: one through Kariavattom-MG Road-Thampanoor-Killipalam, and the other via NH 66, passing through Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam, Enchakkal, and Killipalam. Despite plans to submit the full DPR by January, only an executive summary was provided due to delays, including the model code of conduct. The government had proposed that the metro yard be constructed at the Kariavattom University campus and that elevated metro lines would not be feasible in the city's core areas, such as Statue and Palayam. KMRL had tasked Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with completing the DPR. Due to changes in the alignment, KMRL will instruct DMRC to revise the DPR. Initially, there was a proposal for a light metro or metro lite in Thiruvananthapuram, but it was later dismissed in favor of implementing a medium metro, given the city's recent development.