T’puram: A collective of residents’ associations in Nemom urged the state govt to extend the first phase of proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project up to Nemom, arguing that the fast-growing southern suburb should be included in the capital city’s mass rapid transit network.The Federation of Residents’ Associations, Nemom (Frans), has submitted a memorandum to chief minister V D Satheesan, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), metro project authorities, and MPs and MLAs representing Thiruvananthapuram, seeking a revision of the approved alignment to incorporate Nemom.According to the forum, extending the metro to Nemom would significantly improve public transport connectivity for thousands of daily commuters travelling between the southern parts of the district and the city centre. The association pointed out that Nemom has witnessed rapid residential growth in recent years and is emerging as an important urban hub, making it a strong candidate for metro connectivity.The demand comes after state govt approved alignment for first phase of Metro project. The approved corridor is approximately 31km-long and will feature 27 stations, linking key destinations including Technopark’s three phases, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Thampanoor bus terminal and railway station, Secretariat and govt medical college.Frans requested the govt to examine the feasibility of modifying the alignment before the project progresses to subsequent implementation stages.The metro project, estimated to cost around Rs 8,000 crore, is one of Kerala’s flagship urban mobility initiatives aimed at easing traffic congestion and providing sustainable public transport in the state capital. Detailed project planning is being undertaken by KMRL with technical support from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation before the project is taken up for central approval.
