Kochi Metro Connect Records 15,500 Riders in First Week with New Routes and Plans for Expansion
The Kochi Metro Connect service has had an impressive start, recording over 15,500 riders in its first week. Launched on January 16, 2025, the new service has already garnered attention for its convenience and eco-friendly electric buses, which have become a new preferred mode of transportation for many in Kochi. The Metro Connect system is designed to connect key areas like Aluva, Kalamassery, and the upcoming Infopark route to the metro stations, enhancing the city’s public transportation network.
In terms of routes, the service currently operates on three major connections: Aluva-Airport, Kalamassery-Medical College, and Kalamassery-Cusat. On the Aluva-Airport route, which is particularly popular, the fully air-conditioned electric buses are priced at Rs 80 for the entire journey, while shorter five-kilometre trips on other routes are available for just Rs 20. These affordable fares combined with the convenience of direct services are contributing to the rapid rise in ridership. As of January 26, 2025, over 1,900 passengers are using the service daily, according to KMRL ridership data. This surge in numbers also reflects a higher footfall at both the Aluva and Kalamassery Metro stations, as passengers use the buses to seamlessly connect with metro trains.
One of the standout features of the Metro Connect service is its integration with the upcoming Water Metro. From January 29, a direct bus service will link Kakkanad Station of Water Metro to Infopark and Civil Station. These buses will operate every 25 minutes from 8 AM to 7:15 PM, ensuring smooth connectivity between metro and water-based transport. Moreover, buses on the Kalamassery-Infopark route will run at specific times—7:00 AM, 7:20 AM, and 7:50 AM—offering further flexibility for commuters. As the city’s public transport system grows, KMRL has already announced its plans to expand Metro Connect services to new routes, including the High Court-MG Road Circular and Kadavanthra-KP Vallon Road Circular. These expansions are designed to accommodate rising demand and improve connectivity across Kochi.
Despite the positive reception of the Metro Connect service, the growing ridership poses a challenge: Do Kochi residents need more buses, or is infrastructure already being planned to address this? The answer seems to lie in both. While the existing buses are catering to the current demand, KMRL is keen on expanding the service to ensure that all parts of Kochi benefit from improved transport options. The introduction of additional bus routes and the integration of Water Metro are clear signs that KMRL is focused on scaling up its infrastructure in response to the growing number of commuters. For now, residents can look forward to greater connectivity with the introduction of new routes and the anticipated increase in bus services. The success of the Kochi Metro Connect service is indicative of the city’s growing investment in sustainable, modern urban transport solutions, and it will likely continue to evolve as more people embrace the convenience of these services. The first week of Kochi Metro Connect has been a success, with plans for future expansion already in motion. The people of Kochi can expect continued improvements in their public transportation system as the city adapts to its increasing demands.
