Thiruvananthapuram: After more than a decade of planning and repeated delays, the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project is set to cross a key milestone. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is expected to submit the revised DPR to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) within two weeks.KMRL MD Loknath Behera said the DPR was revised after the Union govt directed the implementing agency to align the project with the PM Gati Shakti National Master Plan to ensure seamless integration with other transport infrastructure.“DMRC will submit the revised DPR to KMRL within two weeks. Once we receive it, KMRL will examine the report, which will take around 15 days. If there are no major issues, it will be forwarded to the state govt for approval before being sent to the Centre for final sanction,” Behera told TOI.The DPR was originally scheduled for submission in March this year. However, the process was delayed by the assembly election model code of conduct and subsequent revisions required under the PM Gati Shakti framework. DMRC has already completed the field survey for the project.The revised DPR finalises the Phase-I alignment from Pappanamcode to Kazhakootam via Thampanoor, MG Road, Kesavadasapuram and Govt Medical College. The alignment received in-principle approval from the previous LDF govt in Nov last year after months of technical evaluation and consultations among multiple agencies.The proposed corridor is designed to connect some of the city’s busiest residential, commercial and institutional centres, including Thampanoor railway station, the central bus terminal, the Secretariat, Medical College, Technopark and Kazhakkoottam. The Metro is expected to ease congestion along the capital’s heavily trafficked north-south corridor while providing a sustainable public transport alternative.According to sources, the metro yard is proposed on Kerala University land at Kazhakootam.The project has undergone several modifications over the past year. Following approval of the alignment, KMRL asked DMRC to revise the DPR to incorporate the new route. The report was also updated to improve multimodal connectivity, reduce land acquisition requirements, and enhance projected ridership. The DPR is expected to finalise the extent of elevated and underground stretches.Officials said the upcoming state Budget is unlikely to earmark funds specifically for the project, despite the ruling UDF reiterating its commitment to metro rail systems in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode in its election manifesto. Budgetary allocations are expected only after the project secures the required approvals from the Centre. sal and financial sanction, paving the way for the commencement of one of Kerala’s largest urban transport infrastructure projects.
