Kochi Metro Phase II has reached a critical stage with the installation of its first pier cap, signalling faster progress in the city’s much-anticipated pink line corridor between JLN Stadium and Kakkanad. The milestone marks a visible step in advancing the project, which aims to provide sustainable and efficient transport for one of Kerala’s busiest urban stretches.
The first pier cap, weighing nearly 80 tonnes, was mounted on pillar number 281 along the Infopark Expressway with the help of a heavy-duty crane. Officials confirmed that similar installations on adjoining pillars will follow in the coming days, moving construction activity into a more visible and advanced phase. To minimise disruption, traffic diversions are being enforced during night-time operations, reflecting the logistical complexity of executing urban infrastructure within a densely populated area. So far, work has been steady across multiple fronts. Construction of 22 pillars near SEZ, Alinchuvadu and Vazhakkala stations has been completed, alongside 898 piles, including 670 for the viaduct and 228 for station structures. At the Kalamassery casting yard, production of structural components is progressing in parallel, with 64 U-girders, 30 I-girders and 56 pier caps already fabricated. Officials described the project as being on a “fast-track mode” with the aim of achieving key deliverables within schedule.
The Phase II project, with an estimated cost of Rs 1,957.05 crore, is being supported by international financing. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is contributing Rs 914 crore, underscoring growing global interest in supporting sustainable urban mobility in Indian cities. Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, entrusted with construction, began preliminary works in September 2024 and has since scaled up site execution to match project timelines. While the engineering progress is visible, the impact on daily commuters is equally significant. The corridor connecting Kochi city centre with Kakkanad, home to a large share of IT professionals and residents, has been facing mounting congestion. With construction activity narrowing carriageways and adding traffic diversions, there is public pressure to accelerate the project’s execution. Urban experts have noted that once operational, the Phase II corridor will significantly reduce traffic load and contribute to the city’s long-term carbon reduction goals by offering a cleaner alternative to private transport.
The project is also being framed as part of Kochi’s broader ambition to become a model for eco-friendly mobility. With rising urban population and vehicle density, officials emphasise that only mass transit investments like the Metro can address future mobility demands sustainably. The pier cap installation marks not just a technical milestone, but also a symbolic step towards achieving a greener and more equitable transport framework for the city. As construction enters its next phase, the pace of progress and coordination between contractors, city authorities and traffic regulators will determine how quickly commuters can experience the benefits of the expanded network. For now, Kochi has taken a decisive stride in reshaping its public transport landscape.
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