Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) has made significant strides towards its ambitious Phase 3 expansion project with the announcement of RITES Ltd. as the lowest bidder for the consultancy contract to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR). This announcement comes after KMRL floated the tender in January 2025, setting a tight 180-day deadline for the preparation of the DPR, which will form the foundation for the next phase of the metro’s development.
Phase 3 of the Kochi Metro project is designed as a 14-km extension of the existing Line-1 corridor, which currently spans 27.96 km between Aluva and Tripunithura. This planned northern extension will connect the city to Angamaly, providing crucial integration with Cochin International Airport (COK) at Nedumbassery, thereby enhancing connectivity between the city and the airport. Upon completion of Phase 3, the total length of the metro line will increase to approximately 42 km. This project is a key part of Kochi Metro’s long-term vision of creating a sustainable and efficient public transportation system that reduces traffic congestion and promotes environmentally friendly urban mobility. By integrating the airport into the metro network, this extension not only supports commuter convenience but also aligns with the city’s goals of promoting zero-net carbon transportation options.
The scope of work for the consultancy contract includes not just the preparation of the DPR for the Aluva to Angamaly corridor, but also a feasibility study for a further extension to Global City in Ayyampuzha. This site, which spans 358 acres, forms a crucial part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor (KBIC) development initiative, and extending metro services to this area could play a pivotal role in boosting economic activities in the region.
The successful implementation of Phase 3 is expected to significantly enhance Kochi’s public transport infrastructure and improve daily commuting for thousands of people.
The extension also promises to be an environmentally sustainable development, reducing reliance on private vehicles and encouraging more sustainable modes of transport. As Kochi Metro continues to expand, the city is poised to become a model of urban mobility, catering to the growing needs of its residents while contributing to a cleaner, greener urban future.
