"Commencement of Kochi Metro Phase III Work Scheduled for Next Year"

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is gearing up for the initiation of construction work on Phase III, specifically the airport line, expected to commence next year. This development runs parallel to the ongoing construction of Phase II, an expansion project connecting the city center to Kakkanad.

A Delhi-based consultancy firm has recently submitted the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP), prompting KMRL authorities to initiate the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for the Phase III project. The DPR is anticipated to be submitted to the state government by the end of this month.

KMRL is contemplating the construction of two lines under Phase III, with one extending from Aluva to the airport through Athani, and the other connecting Athani to Angamali. However, the final decision on this matter will be made after a thorough discussion on the CMP data.

Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, stated, "We had prepared a DPR in 2019 based on the data from a study which was conducted earlier. But now, the population figures have changed, and so have the flow of passengers. We are going to prepare a DPR based on the revised data, incorporating the changes."

Behera emphasized that there would not be any remarkable changes in the core segment of the Phase III project as per the DPR prepared earlier.The state government and Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) are reportedly keen on implementing the airport line project alongside the Phase II project. This strategic move is expected to significantly boost airport development and enhance the profitability of Kochi Metro through increased ridership.

Behera explained, "Once the airport line becomes a reality, air passengers from the city and Angamali region to CIAL can easily access the airport, like in Metro cities such as Bengaluru and Chennai."

Highlighting the potential impact on ridership, Behera stated, "Airport connectivity would be a major breakthrough for the KMRL, as the airport line will help increase ridership. One or two lines alone can’t make the entire Metro profitable. Only multiple lines can attract a large number of commuters to the entire Metro rail network."

He further detailed that the airport line would function as a continuation of the Phase I line terminating at Aluva. The new line is planned to directly connect Aluva to Angamaly via the national highway and then divert to the airport. The specific number of stations will be finalized in the near future.

ET