Thiruvananthapuram, 02 September (H.S.):Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has said the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro will be designed as the most technologically advanced urban rail system in India, incorporating several modern features and innovative planning concepts.

KMRL has submitted a revised detailed project report to the Kerala government for consideration. The report was prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which had earlier drawn up an initial plan. It was subsequently revised following suggestions for changes to the alignment and other components of the project.

The first phase of the proposed Metro will cover about 31 kilometres, beginning at Pappanamcode and terminating at Eenchakkal. The route will pass through Killipalam, Thampanoor, Secretariat, Palayam, Pattom, Medical College, Ulloor, Kariavattom, Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Akkulam and Chackai.

The proposed alignment is intended to connect several of the capital city's most important transport, administrative, educational, healthcare and employment hubs. These include Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, the Thampanoor central bus terminal, Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, the State Secretariat and Government Medical College.

According to the present proposal, most of the Metro corridor will be constructed as an elevated structure above existing roads. This is expected to reduce the requirement for land acquisition while providing faster public transport across the city's congested stretches.

The project's construction cost was earlier estimated at around Rs 8,000 crore. The revised report also contains proposals for development projects that could be implemented alongside the Metro corridor, potentially improving connectivity and supporting planned urban growth.

The State government will now examine the revised project report in detail. Once it gives its approval, the proposal will be forwarded to the Union government for the statutory clearances and financial approval required before construction can begin. A final timeline for commencing work will be determined only after both governments complete the approval process and funding arrangements.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman