Kochi Metro Rail Limited has invited bids for the telecommunication system contract of its much-anticipated Phase 2 expansion, signalling a major push towards strengthening connectivity and modernising passenger experience. The second phase, also known as the Pink Line, will stretch 11.2 kilometres from JLN Stadium to Infopark II and include 11 stations.
According to officials, the tender calls for the design, manufacture, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of advanced telecommunication systems. The contract is set for a duration of 24 months from the issuance of the Letter of Award, and interested bidders have until 18 September 2025 to submit their proposals. The bid opening process began on 29 August and will be followed by a pre-bid meeting on 3 September to address queries from potential contractors. The estimated earnest money deposit for participation has been pegged at ₹71.5 million, underscoring the scale and importance of this technology-driven contract. Once implemented, the upgraded telecommunication system is expected to streamline operations, improve safety mechanisms, and enhance the commuter experience with real-time connectivity solutions.
The Kochi Metro, designed as an eco-friendly urban transit system, has already completed Phases 1, 1A and 1B of its Blue Line, covering routes from Aluva to Tripunithura. With the ongoing Pink Line works, the city’s metro network is entering a new era of sustainable mobility, aimed at decongesting roads and reducing the city’s carbon footprint. Experts highlight that investment in robust telecommunication infrastructure is central to future-proofing metro operations. Such systems enable seamless integration of smart ticketing, centralised monitoring, and passenger information services—elements that align with the government’s broader vision of smart and sustainable cities.
Officials emphasise that the contract will be awarded to partners who can deliver both technological expertise and adherence to timelines. This reflects Kochi Metro’s approach of blending modern design with efficiency and accountability. The metro operator has also recently floated tenders for escalators and elevators under Phase 2, signalling parallel efforts to ensure that core infrastructure keeps pace with technological upgrades. Once complete, Phase 2 of the Kochi Metro is expected to significantly boost connectivity between business districts and residential hubs, especially the Infopark corridor, home to several IT companies. The integration of modern telecommunication systems will not only enhance commuter safety but also make travel more predictable, reliable and eco-conscious—an important step for a city that aspires to lead in green mobility.
By expanding into Infopark and connecting dense commercial nodes, Kochi Metro is also strengthening its role as a catalyst for equitable and gender-neutral urban mobility. The ongoing investments in modern infrastructure reinforce Kochi’s ambition to emerge as a benchmark for sustainable mass transit in India.
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