The $950m project will be operated by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL), a joint venture between the Central and State governments of India.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) and KMRL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in New Delhi for executing the first phase of the project from Aluva to Pettah in May 2013. According to the agreement, DMRC will manage the technical aspects, contract orders, supervision at the project site, procurement and construction on behalf of KMRL.
The Kochi Metro will be completed in phases. The first phase is set to begin in June 2013 and be complete by 2016. The project will be operated under a build, operate and transfer (BOT) basis for a 30-year concession period.
Kochi Metro purpose and benefits
Heavy traffic congestion has necessitated the development of a metro rail system in Kochi. Buses are currently the major public transportation system in Kochi.
The new metro system will reduce traffic congestion, while providing safe and rapid transportation to commuters. It will also reduce pollution and noise levels, as well as congestion on city roads. The project will create employment opportunities for the local people.
Kochi Metrorail project details
The Government of Kerala selected DMRC to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) for the project in December 2004. The project was initially expected to start by 2006 but was delayed due to poor economic conditions.
Kerala Government requested DMRC to extend the metro route to Nedumbaserry International Airport in February 2008. The proposal was approved in April 2008.
The project received Public Investment Board (PIB) clearance in March 2012 and Union Government clearance in July 2012.
DMRC began preliminary works for the project following the clearance. Preliminary work includes the widening of three arterial roads, Banerjee Road, MG Road and South Railway Station Road, as well as the construction of a new rail over-bridge (RoB) near KSRTC station and a foot over-bridge.
The Vyttila-Petta route was widened by 26m to facilitate the construction of the metro rail. KMRL resurfaced 21 roads in Kochi to reduce traffic congestion during the metro rail construction.
Construction of Kochi Metro
The foundation work for the much-delayed project started in September 2012. Construction work for the phase 1 began in June 2013. The Phase 1 includes construction of a 25.65km-long elevated route from Aluva to Petta. The route will include 22 stations.
Phase 2 received approval from KMRL in September 2012. It will include an extension from Aluva to Angamaly via Cochin International Airport, an extension from Petta to Tripunithura, and a branch line from Palarivattom to Infopark via Kakkanad.
Kochi Metro route
The Kochi metro will feature a single line route. It will start from Aluva and pass through stations such as Kalamassery, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), Pathadippalam, Edappally Junction, Changampuzha Park, Palarivattom, Nehru Stadium, Kaloor, Town Hall, Madhava Pharmacy, Maharajas College and Ernakulam Junction.
The Metro line will be linked to Cochin International Airport via Aluva and Tripunithura via Pettah in the future.
