In a significant move towards modernizing urban transportation, the Kerala government has given its official approval for the Phase 1 alignment of the much-anticipated Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project. The ambitious initiative, set to be executed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), marks a transformative moment for Kerala's capital city.
The approval, confirmed on November 8, 2025, represents a major milestone in the state's infrastructure development agenda. This project promises to revolutionize how residents and commuters navigate Thiruvananthapuram while accelerating the city's overall growth and development.
Comprehensive Route and Key Connectivity
The Phase 1 alignment spans an impressive 31 kilometers and is strategically designed to connect the city's most crucial hubs. The route will seamlessly link key IT centers, major transportation nodes, and vital administrative and healthcare facilities, creating an integrated urban transport network.
Among the significant locations that will benefit from this connectivity are three phases of Technopark, the international airport, Thampanoor bus stand, the main railway station, the state secretariat, and the medical college. This comprehensive coverage ensures that daily commuters, tourists, and business travelers will experience unprecedented convenience.
Detailed Station List and Interchange Points
The first phase will feature 27 strategically located stations along the route, providing extensive coverage across the city. The complete station list includes: Pappanamcode (Terminal station), Kaimanam, Karamana, Thampanoor, Secretariat, Palayam, Plamoodu, Pattom, Murinjapalam, Medical College, Ulloor, Pongumoodu, Sreekaryam, Pangappara, Gurumandiram, Karyavattom, Technopark Phase 1, Technopark Phase 3, Kulathoor, Technopark Phase 2, Akkulam Lake, Kochuveli, Venpalavattom, Chaakka, Airport, and Eanchakkal (Terminal station).
The project will incorporate three crucial interchange stations at Kazhakoottam, Technopark Phase 1, and Karyavattom. These interchange points will facilitate smooth transfers between different sections of the metro network and potentially integrate with other transport modes in the future.
Broader Impact and Additional Responsibilities
Beyond the metro rail project itself, Kochi Metro Rail Limited has also been entrusted with the construction of three important flyovers at Srikaryam, Ulloor, and Pattom. This additional responsibility underscores the government's comprehensive approach to addressing urban mobility challenges in Thiruvananthapuram.
The metro project is expected to significantly ease the persistent traffic congestion that has plagued the city for years. By providing a reliable, efficient, and eco-friendly mass transit option, the metro will not only reduce travel times but also contribute to lowering pollution levels and enhancing the overall quality of urban life.
KMRL's proven expertise in executing the Kochi Metro project, along with their pioneering work on the Kochi Water Metro - which made Kochi the first Indian city to launch a water metro system - positions them as the ideal agency to deliver this transformative project. The Water Metro initiative in Kochi has already demonstrated remarkable success in reducing pollution, easing traffic congestion, and improving connectivity for lakeside communities.
As Thiruvananthapuram prepares for this infrastructure transformation, the approved metro alignment sets the stage for a new era of urban development in Kerala's capital. The project promises to redefine public transportation standards while serving as a catalyst for economic growth and sustainable urban planning in the region.
