Thiruvananthapuram: The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro is expected to face further delays, with officials indicating that recent alignment revisions have slowed its completion.
The DPR is being prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), while Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) serves as the project’s implementing agency.
Earlier, KMRL had expressed confidence that the DPR would be submitted within six weeks of the Kerala government granting administrative sanction to the Phase I alignment in November 2025. However, that timeline now appears difficult to meet.
Alignment Revisions Trigger Fresh Evaluations
According to sources, the revised alignment—aimed at optimising ridership, minimising land acquisition challenges, and enhancing integration with key transport hubs—required fresh technical assessments. These included updated population-density studies, ridership modelling, and engineering modifications to the DPR.
KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera confirmed that progress is being closely monitored.
“We expect the DPR to be ready by this month-end. However, I am not sure. Hopefully, we can submit the DPR to the state government next month for approval,” Behera said.
Election Code May Further Delay Approval
Even if the DPR is finalised next month, procedural constraints could delay formal approval. The Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections is expected to come into force shortly. Once implemented, the state government will be unable to take major policy decisions, including granting administrative sanction to large infrastructure projects.
If that scenario unfolds, the Metro proposal may not receive formal clearance during the current government’s tenure.
Revised Corridor Plans
The Thiruvananthapuram Metro is envisioned as a comprehensive urban mobility solution for the rapidly expanding capital city.
The initial concept proposed a corridor from Technocity in the north to Pallichal in the south, connecting major commercial, institutional, and residential hubs. The system is expected to integrate with:
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Indian Railways stations
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Major bus terminals
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Airport connectivity
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Existing public transport systems
Subsequently, the alignment was modified:
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From Kazhakkoottam to Pappanamcode via Kariavattom and Sreekaryam
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Along NH 66 up to Enchakkal, ensuring connectivity to the airport and Technopark
These changes are believed to improve multimodal integration and enhance passenger potential, though they have contributed to DPR preparation delays.
Financial and Procedural Roadmap
Earlier concept estimates pegged the project cost at several thousand crore rupees. Funding is expected through a mix of:
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State government support
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Central government assistance
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Possible external or multilateral funding
Once approved by the state cabinet, the DPR will be forwarded to the Centre for appraisal and financial clearance.
Urban transport experts caution that delays at the DPR stage can push the overall project timeline back by several months, as central approvals, financial structuring, and tendering processes can commence only after state-level clearance.
Strategic Significance
The Thiruvananthapuram Metro has been under discussion for several years amid rising traffic congestion and rapid urbanisation in Kerala’s capital. With elections approaching, stakeholders fear that administrative delays could slow the project’s momentum further.
However, if alignment optimisation succeeds in improving ridership projections and cost efficiency, the revised DPR could strengthen the project’s long-term viability when it finally reaches the approval stage.
