The state government on Friday approved the first phase of the alignment of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project, putting the dream of revolutionizing urban mobility and promoting sustainable economic growth in the capital.
The alignment of the first phase connecting the three phases of Technopark, Thiruvananthapuram International Airport, Thampanoor Bus Stand, Central Railway Station, Secretariat and Medical College was approved after a secretary level meeting.
The most ideal and feasible layout of Phase I of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail Project to be implemented by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will be from Pappanamcode to Eenchakkal. The corridor for Phase I of the project includes the following stations: Pappanamcode, Kaimanam, Karamana, Killipalam Junction, Thampanoor, Secretariat, Palayam, Plamoodu, Pattom, Murinjapalam, Medical College, Ulloor, Pongumoodu, Sreekaryam, Pangappara, Gurumandipark Technochange, Karypark Technochange Station, Karypark Phase III, Kulathoor, Technopark Phase II, Akkulam Lake, Kochuveli, Venpalavattom, Chakka, Airport, Pre terminating at Eenchakkal (terminus).
The Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) had earlier directed the state to ensure integration of the project with existing airports at the detailed project report (DPR) stage to ensure seamless integration of the metro and airport.
Metro rail policy
The Metro Rail Policy 2017 also emphasizes the need for connectivity to major transport hubs including railway stations and airports. After a series of meetings over the last few years, the KMRL submitted a revised proposal from Pappanamcode to Eenchakkal, covering 31 km with 27 stations, at the last secretary-level committee meeting held on November 4. It also explained the technical feasibility of extending Corridor-I up to Phase II of the Technopark.
The committee that examined the proposal found that the revised alignment from Pappanamcode to Eenchakkal complies with the central directive by effectively covering the Thiruvananthapuram North railway station and the airport. It also ensures seamless connectivity between key urban modes by integrating the corridors proposed in the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP). The state government then gave in-principle approval to the alignment after detailed scrutiny. The Director General, KMRL, will now take steps to prepare and submit the DPR of the project in accordance with the Metro Rail Policy 2017 and Union Government guidelines.
Under the metro project, KMRL has been entrusted with the construction of Sreekaryam, Ulloor and Pattom flyovers. The construction of Sreekaryam flyover is progressing rapidly. The project is expected to accelerate the future development of the rapidly growing city of Thiruvananthapuram.
Published – 07 Nov 2025 21:00 IST
