Thiruvananthapuram, India – Kerala’s capital is the new focus of political buzz after Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan announced the first phase of a planned 31‑kilometer metro rail line. The line, which will include 27 stations, is meant to link the city’s IT parks, airport, railway stations and major hospitals.
Vijayan posted the news on social media, calling it a “landmark step in reshaping Kerala’s capital for the future.” The project will be managed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which has already started laying groundwork in the city.
Senior Congress leader K. Muraleedharan, who is running the UDF’s campaign for the Thiruvananthapuram Corporation elections, slammed the announcement as an “election stunt.” He said the move comes just before local body polls and has no clear funding plan. “We always wanted a metro for the capital, but the government didn’t give us details on the source of money or the project structure. Plus, the ongoing highway widening has already caused delays,” he warned.
The news arrives when the LDF‑led government is eager to keep control of the city corporation. A three‑way fight is expected among the LDF, the UDF, and the BJP. The metro line has been on the agenda for more than a decade. A former chief minister, Oommen Chandy, had given a conditional nod after meeting “Metroman” E. Sreedharan, but procedural issues stalled the plan until now.
The metro project could boost transit in the fast‑growing capital, but critics question whether it will be finished on time and how it will be financed. Only time will tell if the announcement is a genuine development push or a bid to win votes ahead of the upcoming elections.
Source: ianslive
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