THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The government has again proposed changes in the metro rail project of the capital city. The move is to change the alignment of Thiruvananthapuram Metro and cut the route from the existing one. Kochi Metro Rail Limited has been instructed to check the start of metro rail near Kazhakootam Junction.

According to the alignment prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, the terminal of Thiruvananthapuram Metro is to be constructed near Pallipuram Technocity but the direction of the transport department is to revise the alignment so that the metro terminal and shunting yard will be constructed near Kazhakoottam Technopark.

The site for the old terminal was found near Pallipuram Technocity, Biopark and Digital University. The specialty was that you could enter the metro without entering the city rush. But experts point out that the metro will lose its relevance with the shortening of the route. With the arrival of the main terminal at Kazhakoottam, the traffic congestion will also worsen.

The new proposal is to build the first phase of Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail from Technopark to Putharikandam Maidanam. KMRL has been tasked to examine the feasibility of the new route and submit a report within two months. Killipalam to Neyyattinkara was considered as the second phase of Thiruvananthapuram Metro. Instead of this, the government has proposed to examine the possibility of traveling from Palayam to Kudappanakunnu.

Complaints are being raised that it is unscientific to change and rethink the route that most passengers reach the city. It is also alleged that changing the routes frequently will prolong the construction of the metro indefinitely.