Kochi Metro Phase 3 DPR Begins to Connect Aluva, Angamaly, Airport
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has initiated work on the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for a vital Phase III extension. This new line, a long-standing demand of the populace, is set to connect Aluva to Angamaly, strategically integrating Kochi International Airport into the metro network. The project is a key component of the city’s larger vision for sustainable urban mobility, aiming to create a seamless, zero-net-carbon transit option for commuters. This expansion promises not only to reduce road congestion and vehicular emissions but also to foster more balanced, equitable development across the region.
The commencement of the DPR work was awarded to Haryana-based Systra MVA Consulting India Private Ltd, following a rigorous selection process. The initial tendering faced a setback when the lone bidder, a public sector enterprise, quoted a bid amount more than double the estimated cost. This fiscal prudence led KMRL to re-tender the work, a decision that ultimately ensured a cost-effective solution. Due to the high initial bid, the feasibility studies for a future extension to the proposed GIFT City and the analysis of new rolling stock for Phase III were temporarily excluded from the scope, focusing the current DPR on the immediate and critical Aluva-Angamaly corridor. The new consultant is tasked with delivering the report within six months at a cost of ₹1.3 crore, a testament to the efficient use of public funds.
The preliminary route plan for the Phase III extension is designed to maximise connectivity and accessibility. The line will begin at Aluva, tracing the National Highway 544 before deviating towards the Kochi airport via the Kariyad-Airport-Mattoor Road. From the airport, it will follow the Angamaly-Airport Road to MC Road, and then proceed towards Angamaly, with a further extension of approximately two kilometres on the NH 544 towards Thrissur. This carefully planned alignment is set to transform the travel experience for thousands of daily commuters, offering a fast, reliable, and comfortable alternative to private vehicles, especially for those travelling to and from the international airport.
The socio-economic implications of this project are profound. The metro’s expansion into Angamaly will not only ease the daily commute for residents but also act as a catalyst for economic growth in the region. By connecting a key commercial hub with a burgeoning satellite town, the metro system will facilitate equitable development, making the outer suburbs more attractive for living and business. This kind of infrastructure investment is crucial for building a gender-neutral and inclusive city, as it provides safe and affordable travel options for a diverse population. The DPR will involve comprehensive field investigations and engineering studies to finalise critical aspects such as the line’s exact length, alignment, and the number and location of stations.
In a move that aligns with the principles of democratic and community-driven development, officials have also announced that the public will be invited to submit suggestions and ideas for the project. This public consultation process aims to ensure that the metro line development meets local expectations and desires, guaranteeing that the final infrastructure is a true reflection of community needs. The Union government’s in-principle approval for central financial assistance for the DPR study highlights the national importance of this project. As the foundation for this critical public transport corridor is laid, Kochi is poised to reinforce its position as a model for sustainable urban growth and a modern, forward-thinking metropolis.
