Metro rail plan: TCCI calls for swift action

T'puram: The Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI) urged state govt to expedite implementation of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro rail project and its comprehensive mobility plan, calling it crucial for the capital's future growth. TCCI president S N Raghuchandran Nair wrote to chief secretary A Jayathilak in this regard.

TCCI suggested that the Metro alignment begin from Kazhakkoottam, connecting Technopark Phases I, II and III, Southern Air Command, medical college, Secretariat and Thampanoor, before extending to Pappanamcode. Ridership potential, it noted, should guide the alignment plan. It also recommended adopting a hybrid model for the 23.6km corridor, combining underground tunnels and elevated sections.

According to TCCI, the tunnel-based approach would significantly reduce land acquisition costs, avoid lengthy legal delays and minimize disruptions to traffic during the work.tnn