Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has reportedly submitted a fresh proposal to the state transport ministry, recommending construction of the Thiruvananthapuram Metro along a 14.9 km route from Kazhakkoottam Junction to Putharikandam Ground. The cost estimate for the project will reportedly be decided once the government takes a final decision on the alignment.

The original plan to start the service at Technocity in Pallippuram was reportedly scrapped after the government ordered to consider a new alignment. The decision was reportedly taken in light of concerns that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) might not approve the road excavation for the construction of metro pillars due to the 'defect liability period'.

KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera is quoted as saying that a technical report has been submitted with suggestions from various stakeholders. He noted that starting the metro at Kazhakkoottam Junction would have several advantages, allowing the work to begin without procedural delays. Behera also indicated that Pallippuram could be considered at a later stage, but refrained from announcing alternative routes until the government takes a final decision.

Transport department sources said that the construction of the national highway in the area would be completed by the time the metro project begins, and that digging up the middle of the road for metro pillars at Pallippuram would be necessary if that alignment were to be pursued. Moreover, the elevated expressway at Kazhakkoottam would require raising the height of the metro pillars, which would increase the overall cost of the project.

The new proposed alignment would connect Technopark, Kariavattom University Campus, Ulloor, Murinjapalam, Pattom, PMG, Legislative Assembly, Palayam, Bakery Junction, Thampanoor and Putharikandam Ground. KMRL has also proposed three additional alignments, including LuLu Mall and other prominent colleges and locations.

Moreover, KMRL has proposed that the Metro may be extended to Pallippuram in Technocity in Phase II, with possible extensions to Kudappanakunnu and Neyyattinkara also being considered in the second phase. According to an earlier detailed project report submitted by Kerala Rapid Transit Corp Ltd (KRTL), Phase I of the Light Met

Reportedly, KRTL, formed in 2021 to execute the project, was dissolved by the state government in 2022 following objections from the central government.