Thiruvananthapuram Metro DPR faces further delay amid alignment revisions

Thiruvananthapuram, India (Metro Rail Today): The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro is likely to face additional delays, as revisions to the project alignment have slowed its completion. The DPR is being prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), while Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has been designated as the implementing agency.

KMRL had earlier expressed confidence that the DPR would be submitted within one-and-a-half months after the state government granted administrative sanction to the Phase I alignment in November 2025. However, that timeline now appears challenging to meet.

Sources indicate that alignment modifications — aimed at optimising ridership potential, reducing land acquisition challenges and improving integration with key transport hubs — required fresh technical evaluations, updated population criteria assessments and corresponding revisions to the DPR.

KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera confirmed that the agency is closely monitoring progress and awaiting submission of the final DPR by DMRC. He stated that the report is expected to be ready by the end of this month, though timelines remain uncertain. If finalised, KMRL hopes to submit the DPR to the state government next month for approval.

Even if the DPR is submitted soon, procedural constraints may delay further progress. The Model Code of Conduct for the upcoming Kerala Assembly elections is expected to come into effect next month, which could restrict the state government from taking major policy decisions, including granting administrative sanction to large infrastructure projects. As a result, the Metro proposal may not receive formal approval within the current government’s tenure.

The proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro is envisioned as a key urban mobility solution for the rapidly expanding capital city. Initial plans proposed a corridor connecting Technocity in the north to Pallichal in the south, passing through major commercial and residential hubs. The project aims to integrate with the existing railway network, bus terminals and other public transport systems to ease congestion and promote sustainable mobility.

Subsequent revisions reportedly modified the alignment from Kazhakkoottam to Pappanamcode via Kariavattom and Sreekaryam, along with an alternative alignment along NH 66 up to Enchakkal, connecting the airport and Technopark. Preliminary concept reports had estimated the project cost at several thousand crore rupees, with funding expected from a mix of state and central government support along with possible external assistance.

Officials noted that once the state Cabinet approves the DPR, it will be forwarded to the Centre for appraisal and financial clearance. Urban transport experts caution that delays at the DPR stage could push back the overall implementation timeline by several months, as central approvals, funding arrangements and tendering processes can only commence after state-level clearance.

The Thiruvananthapuram Metro has been under discussion for years, as traffic congestion continues to intensify due to rapid urbanisation and rising vehicle ownership. With elections approaching, stakeholders are concerned that administrative delays could further slow momentum on a project seen as critical to the city’s long-term mobility strategy.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “Timely finalisation of the DPR is crucial for maintaining project momentum in emerging metro cities. Alignment optimisation is important for ridership and integration, but prolonged procedural delays can significantly push back funding approvals and execution schedules. A coordinated and time-bound approach will be essential to ensure Thiruvananthapuram’s metro vision progresses without further slippage.”