Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has embarked on a significant milestone with the commencement of construction works for Phase II of the Kochi Metro, stretching from JLN Stadium to Kakkanad. Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, the awarded contractor for this phase, has initiated test piling activities at Kakkanad, marking the beginning of the construction of viaducts and stations along the 11.2-km Pink Line.
The total project cost for Phase II is estimated at Rs 1,957.05 crore, with Afcons securing the contract valued at Rs 1,141.32 crore for the viaduct construction. KMRL aims to achieve a remarkable feat by completing the 11.2-km stretch within just 20 months, potentially setting a new standard for rapid metro construction in India.
“Pile foundation systems are preferred for large structures like metro viaducts as they ensure the transfer of weight to stable underground layers,” explained a KMRL spokesperson. “Testing the integrity and load-bearing capacity of these pile foundations is crucial, hence the commencement of test piling activities.” Further enhancing the project’s robustness, KMRL plans to conduct four additional test piles along different sections of the proposed route, alongside immediate soil testing and ongoing topography surveys along the viaduct alignment. New stations are slated for construction at strategic locations including Palarivattom Junction, Vazhakkala, Kakkanad Junction, and InfoPark, among others.
“In addition to civil construction, KMRL is focused on completing system and signalling works within an additional four months,” stated KMRL officials, highlighting the comprehensive timeline management to ensure seamless integration of the metro network upon completion. The Phase II expansion of Kochi Metro underscores not only infrastructural advancement but also strategic urban mobility planning aimed at easing commuter traffic and promoting sustainable transport solutions in one of Kerala’s bustling urban corridors.
