Interchange stations at Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, and Kariavattom.

Interchange stations at Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, and Kariavattom.

Interchange stations at Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, and Kariavattom.

Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has approved the alignment for the first phase of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project (Light Metro). The route will connect major hubs, including all three phases of Technopark, the airport, the KSRTC bus stand in Thampanoor, the railway station, the Secretariat, and the Medical College Hospital. The project will be executed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).

The 31-kilometre stretch will start from Pappanamcode and pass through Killippalam, Palayam, Sreekariyam, Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, Kochu Veli, and the airport before ending at Enchakkal. A total of 27 stations are planned, with interchange stations at Kazhakkoottam, Technopark, and Kariavattom.

As part of preparatory works, the construction of flyovers at Sreekariyam, Ulloor, and Pattom has already been assigned to KMRL. Of these, the Sreekariyam flyover is progressing rapidly. The metro project is expected to significantly accelerate infrastructure growth and urban development in the state capital, the chief minister said.