Thiruvananthapuram Metro Alignment Committee Formed

16 Jun 2025 CW Team

The Kerala government has established a high-level committee, led by the Chief Secretary, to finalise the alignment for the upcoming Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project, following discussions chaired online by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan.

The committee, which includes secretaries from the revenue, finance, local self-government, and transport departments, is expected to expedite recommendations. Once the alignment is approved, initial construction can begin. The Finance Department has already cleared the metro plan, with construction set to start in 2026, as announced in the state budget.

According to the DMRC’s draft project report (DPR), the estimated cost for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro stands at Rs 115.6 billion. However, the DPR will be revised once the final alignment receives cabinet approval, which is a prerequisite for seeking Central Government support.

Six proposed routes were presented by KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behra, with priority given to a corridor connecting Technopark, Kazhakkoottam—a route backed by Member of Parliament Dr Shashi Tharoor. This alignment faces technical challenges related to an elevated highway crossing, which now require expert review.

The committee will assess multiple alignment options:

Kazhakkoottam to Pappanamcode, featuring a 10 km underground stretch from Ulloor to Karamana, budgeted at Rs 6.775 billion
Kazhakkoottam to Killipalam, with 6.5 km underground from Kazhakkoottam to Akkulam and Eanchakkal to Killipalam, costing Rs 5.775 billion
Palayam to Civil Station, including 6 km of underground track, priced at Rs 2.7 billion, linking key areas such as the Museum, Vellayambalam, Kowdiar, Peroorkada, and Civil Station

The committee’s findings are expected shortly, and the government aims to launch foundational construction swiftly afterwards. A finalised metro alignment will unlock the next phase of Thiruvananthapuram’s landmark urban transport project.

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