THIRUVANATHAPURAM: State govt is likely to approve the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) and alternate analysis report (AAR) soon to secure funds from the Centre for the metro rail project proposed in Thiruvananthapuram.
As the first step, Biju Prabhakar, who is in charge of the metro project, gave the nod for the CMP and AAR. “From my side, it is approved for getting funds from the Centre. State govt has to take the final call,” Prabhakar said.
Sources said that the decision is likely to to be made this month.
Approval of AAR, including the project’s final alignment, is the first crucial step for a metro rail project’s implementation. Once state approves it, the AAR will be sent to the Union ministry of urban affairs. The AAR for the metro project recommends a conventional or medium-model metro, and was submitted to KMRL by the CMP in Aug 2023. The AAR emphasises the need for a comprehensive overhaul of the city’s parking facilities and traffic system.
According to Loknath Behera, MD, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL), the executing agency of the project, this is the first and positive move from state govt, and the fund from the Centre is necessary for moving the project forward. “Before sending to the Centre, the decision has to be taken at the CM level. Only then does the cabinet decision need to be taken. However, it is a major step towards the implementation of the metro project,” Behera said.
KMRL had recently submitted a revised report to state govt on the planned routes and alignment for the project.
KMRL report explores the feasibility of implementing underground and overground metro systems and examines the proposed alignment from Kazhakkoottam to East Fort via Sreekaryam and Medical College junction. Among the options under consideration is whether the alignment should pass through Medical College junction and which sections might require an underground rail system.
KMRL submitted an executive summary of the detailed project report (DPR) to state govt in Feb 2024. The DPR previously presented two main alignments: one through Kariavattom-MG Road-Thampanoor-Killipalam and another via NH 66 through Kazhakkoottam, Akkulam, Enchakkal and Killipalam. Despite initial plans to submit the full DPR by Jan, only an executive summary was provided due to delays, including the model code of conduct.
Govt had proposed that the metro yard be constructed at Kariavattom University campus, and also that elevated metro lines are not feasible in the city’s core areas, like Statue and Palayam. KMRL had entrusted Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to complete the DPR. Since the alignment has changed, KMRL will direct DMRC to revise the DPR.
Initially, there was a proposal for a light metro or metro lite in Thiruvananthapuram, which was later dismissed in favour of implementing the medium metro due to the city’s recent development.
