All you need to know about the Kochi Metro

Developed with state-of-the-art technology, the Kochi Metro project is a flagship infrastructure project undertaken jointly by the Kerala government and the centre, for meeting the city’s growing travel demand. Operations on Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro started in June 2017. The development of a mass rapid transit system (MRTS) project in , also known as Kerala’s commercial hub, will bring about a phenomenal change in the city’s realty market, turning several localities into coveted hotspots for residential properties.

Kochi Metro route

The Kochi Metro project will be developed in the following phases:

Kochi Metro Phase 1 (operational)

Kochi Metro phase 1 is a fully elevated metro line that connects Aluva to Petta and spans a total length of 25.16 kilometres. It comprises 22 stations. The final stretch of 1.33 kilometres from Thaikoodam and Petta was opened for the public in September 2020.

Kochi Metro Phase 1A (under-construction)

The total length of Phase 1A and Phase 1B is 2.94 kilometres. Phase 1A of the Kochi Metro network will cover a length of 1.78 kilometres, linking Petta to SN Junction. Developed at a cost of Rs 299.87 crores, the Phase 1A extension of the project includes two stretches – from Petta to SN Junction, comprising two stations namely Vadakkekotta and SN Junction and a new Panamkutty bridge that is under-construction.

Kochi Metro Phase 1B (under-construction)

Phase 1B extension of the metro network will connect SN Junction to Thirupunithura Terminal, with a length of 1.16 kilometres. It will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 162.98 crores.

Kochi Metro Phase 2 (approved)

The metro line under Phase 2 will run from JLN Stadium to Infopark, covering a total length of 11.2 kilometres. It will be an elevated route comprising of 11 metro stations on an elevated route, extending up to Kakkanad that is a major residential and commercial hub including an SEZ. Under the Union Budget 2021, Rs 1,957.05 crores was allocated for this project. This phase will incorporate multi-model integration by seamlessly connecting the metro line with the water transport-ferry system, bus system, bicycle parking, etc.

Kochi Metro Phase 3 (planned)

Under phase 3 of the metro project, there are plans to extend the route from Aluva to Angamaly. The metro line will be connected to the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery.

Also read all about the DMRC metro rail network

Kochi Metro map

(Source: Wikimedia Commons)

Kochi Metro stations

List of the stations under Kochi Metro Phase 1, Phase 1A and Phase 1B

List of the stations under Kochi Metro Phase 2

Kochi Metro fares

The fare for Kochi Metro line 1 ranges from a minimum of Rs 10 up to Rs 60, depending on the distance covered. One metro ticket will be valid for a duration of up to 90 minutes, within which a passenger should exit the automatic gate.

See also: How to check the fair value of land in Kerala?

Kochi Metro: Construction timeline

• July 2012: Union cabinet approves the Rs 5,126-crore Kochi Metro project.
• June 2013: Construction work for Phase 1 begins.
• June 2017: Phase 1 inaugurated by prime minister, Narendra Modi.
• October 2017: The 5-km stretch from Palarivottam to Maharaja’s College Metro Station is inaugurated.
• July 2018: Phase 2 is approved by the Kerala government.
• September 2019: The 5.65-km stretch from Maharaja’s College to Thaikoodam is inaugurated.
• September 2020: Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro becomes fully operational.

Kochi Metro Rail Ltd: Important facts

• The Kochi Metro project is the eighth inter-city metro rail project in India.
• The total cost of the Kochi Metro phase 1 network, spanning a total length of 25.16 kilometres, is Rs 6218 crores.
• The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is responsible for managing the train operations.
• It will be the first metro rail project that will be commissioned with an advanced communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling system.
• Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro project was completed in a record time of less than four years since its construction started.
• It is equipped with advanced facilities, including an automatic fare collection system, free Wi-Fi, facilities for the differently-abled, etc. The stations have been designed based on different themes, such as the heritage of Kerala, arts, culture, etc.
• The KMRL has tied up with agencies for delivering feeder bus services to commuters.
• The project adheres to eco-friendly practices with the use of solar power for meeting a quarter of its total electricity needs.
• Vertical gardens set up at every sixth pillar, which will use recycled waste, is another striking feature of the project.

See also: All about Kerala’s online property-related services

Kochi Metro: Latest updates

After the final stretch from Petta to Thaikoodam became operational in September 2020, the daily ridership is expected to be close to one lakh. Currently, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has started road widening and other preparatory works, which are expected to be completed by the end of 2021.

Eco-friendly initiatives

There are plans to develop a 4MW solar power plant for the Kochi Metro project, with an aim to achieve about half the electricity requirements.

Kochi Water Metro project

Kochi will be the first city with water transport integrated as a feeder service (boat rides) to the Metro. The KMRL will implement the Kochi Water Metro project at an estimated cost of Rs 747 crores, with financial help from Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW), a German state-owned bank.

Land acquisition

The land acquisition process for the Metro’s phase 2 Kakkanad extension is likely to miss the June 2021 deadline. However, the Revenue Department has finalised the compensation amount for 2.01 acres of land to be acquired for the project.

FAQs