Kerala Greenlights High-Power Panel for TVM Metro Alignment

The Kerala state government has formed a high-level committee, headed by the Chief Secretary, to evaluate and finalize the alignment for the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project. The decision was taken during a meeting chaired by Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on June 11, 2025.

The committee comprises senior officials from the departments of revenue, finance, local self-government, and transport. It has been tasked with conducting a comprehensive assessment of the project and submitting detailed recommendations to the government.

Currently, three primary corridors are under consideration: Kazhakkoottam to Pappanamcode, Kazhakkoottam to Killipalam, and Palayam to Civil Station. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the designated special purpose vehicle (SPV) for metro rail development in the state, had earlier presented six alignment options for a conventional metro system.

KMRL’s proposal features a mix of elevated and underground sections. However, officials have noted that the underground components would entail substantially higher costs for the state.

Initially proposed over a decade ago, the project had seen limited progress under successive governments. The original plan by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) recommended a monorail, which was later revised to a light metro system. A new Detailed Project Report (DPR) has since been submitted for consideration.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.