Kerala's second metro rail to come up in Thiruvananthapuram, estimated cost of Rs 11560.80 cr

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kerala's second metro rail will come up in Thiruvananthapuram. The Detailed Project Document (DPR) will be submitted next month. After the approval of the government and the approval of the Ministry of Urban Development, preparations for construction will begin. Kochi Metro is running at a profit.

Initially, plans were laid for a light metro in Thiruvananthapuram. After examining its feasibility, medium metro was chosen by the authorities. Its executive summary was submitted by DMRC in February.

Thiruvananthapuram Metro will be managed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited. As per their suggestion, the DPR was prepared by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. Its final analysis was conducted last week under the leadership of Dr KM Abraham, Principal Chief Secretary to the Chief Minister and CEO of KIIFB. The DPR, along with suggestions, will be submitted to the Kochi Metro next month and later to the state government. After the approval of the state, it will be submitted to the central urban ministry.

After the central approval, the steps for land acquisition and loan will be taken. Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail will also form a special purpose vehicle.

The total distance is 46.7 km in two reaches namely Pallipuram Techno City - Pallichal and Kazhakoottam - Killipalam. There will be 38 stations, including two in underground. The rest is on poles above ground. The estimated cost is Rs 11560.80 crore (in DPR). Matters like land to be acquired, rehabilitation etc. will be released after approval by DPR.

Two reaches

1.

Pallipuram - Kaimanam - Karamana - Pallichal

The length is 30.8 km

Completely on pillars

25 stations

The cost is Rs 7503.18 crores

2.

Kazhakoottam - Technopark - Lulu Mall - Chacka - Enchakkal - East Fort - Killipalam

The length is 15.9 km.

The metro will run underground from Enchakkal to Killipalam

East Fort and Killipalam stations will be underground

13 stations

The cost is Rs 4057.70 crores

Maintenance depot in Pallippuram

• Special system at existing crossings
• Tall poles in the rail area of Thambanoor
• Maintenance and car depot near CRPF camp in Pallipuram
• 12.5 hectares will be acquired

Next phase

There is proposal to construct a 14.7 km metro rail between Enchakal and Vizhinjam, Pallipuram Technocity - Mangalapuram 3.7 km and Pallichal - Neyyatinkara 11.1 km.