Kochi Metro’s ambitious Phase III expansion has taken a significant step forward as RITES Ltd. emerges as the sole bidder for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed airport line. With the public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways leading the bid, the project is moving closer to realisation, promising enhanced urban mobility and sustainable transport solutions for the region.
The consultancy bid follows the in-principle approval granted by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) for central financial assistance to prepare the DPR. In January, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) had issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) inviting expert consultancy services to draft a comprehensive DPR. Since the Centre is fully funding the DPR process, the final decision on awarding the contract will rest with central authorities. The DPR will define the project’s alignment, station locations, and feasibility of an independent metro corridor between Aluva and Angamaly, separate from the existing metro network.
With an expected length of 18 km and around 15 stations, the proposed metro corridor will extend from Aluva along NH 544 before branching off towards Kariyad-Airport-Mattoor Road, connecting Nedumbassery International Airport. From there, it will proceed via Angamaly-Airport Road to MC Road, extending around 2 km further towards Thrissur. KMRL has also planned an underground metro section in Nedumbassery, spanning approximately 3 km, to ensure seamless airport connectivity. The DPR study will further assess the feasibility of alternative rolling stock to optimise efficiency in Phase III operations.
This expansion is expected to enhance urban connectivity, reduce traffic congestion, and promote eco-friendly transit solutions in line with India’s sustainable urban mobility goals.
The possibility of extending the metro corridor to Kochi’s proposed GIFT City, located in Ayyampuzha as part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor, will also be examined. With RITES Ltd. poised to lead the DPR process, Kochi Metro’s Phase III expansion is moving towards a transformative phase, reinforcing its role in shaping the city’s equitable and sustainable urban future.
