THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: With the assembly elections approaching, the long-pending metro rail project for the state capital is back in spotlight. Despite being in power for a decade, the LDF government has failed to make any concrete progress on the project.
Meanwhile, a rapidly growing Thiruvananthapuram continues to grapple with a surging vehicle numbers, worsening traffic congestion, and increasing transportation needs. The government granted in-principle approval for the metro’s first phase alignment last November, towards the end of the current term.
The 31-km-long corridor will stretch from Pappanamcode to Enchakkal, covering 27 stations and connecting key points including all three phases of Technopark, airport, Thampanoor bus terminal, Thiruvananthapuram Central railway station, Secretariat and the medical college hospital.
“Thiruvananthapuram metro project has become an eyewash,” said S N Raghuchandran Nair, president of the Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI).
“There were discussions, alignment changes, and announcements but nothing concrete has happened in the past decade. A lack of ownership is the main reason for the delay.
Election-time promises by political fronts lack follow-through. Everyone talks about the metro during elections, and when it comes to implementation, the first excuse is about lack of funds. A government with a clear majority is essential. Otherwise, they will be hesitant to commit.” He said the capital needs a guardian minister specifically for the city, else such projects will continue to suffer neglect.
According to road experts, the metro is not a prestige project anymore but a necessity. Anil Kumar Pandala, former managing director of the Thiruvananthapuram Road Development Corporation Ltd (TRDCL)—the former concessionaire of the City Road Improvement Project (CRIP)—said it was high time the state capital had a metro.
“In all aspects, Thiruvananthapuram city has been more eligible for a metro than any other city. The project suffered delays because of indecision, shifting priorities, and ownership issues. In my view, it was a mistake on the part of the government to entrust the project to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd,” Anil said. He expressed hope that the new government wouldn’t repeat the mistakes made while planning the Kochi Metro.
Confederation of Residents’ Association (CONFRA) general secretary Sashidharan Nair said, “It’s disappointing that efforts were not put in to implement the project. When the new government comes into power, I hope they give greater priority to this,” he added.