THIRUVANANTHAPURAM : In line with the government’s determination to implement metro rail projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode, the budget envisages measures to revolutionise the public transportation sector in the state. Modelled on the Kochi Metro, the Thiruvananthapuram Metro will be implemented first. Finance Minister K N Balagopal said the state government expects the necessary approval for the Thiruvananthapuram Metro Rail project soon.
The money will be allocated from the funds earmarked for major infrastructure projects. As per the present status of Thiruvananthapuram Metro, the DMRC will submit a detailed project report (DPR) within two weeks to the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). The KMRL is expected to submit the DPR to the government this month. Meanwhile, the KMRL is also planning a stakeholders’ meeting soon in Kozhikode as part of the project implementation.
Big leap for Kochi Metro
The Phase II of Kochi Metro from Kaloor to Kakkanad got a shot in the arm with the budget allocating a fund of Rs 239 crore. The Phase II consists of an 11.8km-long elevated line from JLN Stadium to Infopark-Kakkanad and comprises 11 stations. The extended line will also connect commuters to the Water Metro at Infopark Jetty and Kakkanad Jetty.
Hope for K-Rail
The finance minister also hinted that the state government would try to implement the K-Rail project, and they are constantly interacting with the Centre to obtain approvals.