Kochi Metro To Connect Tripunithura Rail And Metro Station
The city of Kochi is poised to deliver a significant boost to commuter convenience in Thrippunithura as Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) submits a proposal for an elevated walkway linking Tripunithura railway station with the adjacent Thrippunithura Terminal metro station. The move, expected to be part of the forthcoming 2025–26 plans of Southern Railway, aims to provide commuters with a safer, sanctioned path replacing an informal access route that was shut down by rail authorities.
According to officials, the previously used gate at the railway station had no official sanction; it was reportedly created during past construction activity and lacked a recognised layout. With increased train speeds and rising safety concerns, reopening it was ruled out. The new skywalk formally planned via a submitted general arrangement drawing is expected to offer a regulated, secure route between the two transport modes. A senior railway manager has indicated the project would be considered under Southern Railway’s umbrella initiatives for 2025–26 signalling approval in principle for execution. Meanwhile, the metro authority has provided cost-sharing details and awaits final clearance before allocating funds.
Urban transport experts note that such inter-modal linkages are a crucial step towards enhancing last-mile connectivity and reducing reliance on private vehicles. “A skywalk will not only streamline commuter flows but also encourage greater adoption of mass transit,” said one planner aware of the proposal. Observers recall that earlier proposals to link major railway stations including those in Ernakulam with nearby metro stations have long languished due to funding and coordination delays. For thousands of daily travellers arriving at Tripunithura railway station and needing onward connectivity within Kochi, the walkway offers multiple benefits: fewer hazards crossing tracks or unauthorised paths, dry and covered access during monsoons, and a smoother transition to the metro system. It could also mitigate footfall pressure on surrounding roads, reducing congestion and improving pedestrian safety.
The skywalk project aligns with broader sustainable urban mobility goals championed by KMRL, including walkability, last-mile options, and integration of transport modes — a shift that may promote lower-carbon travel and more inclusive access across demographics, including the elderly and people with heavy luggage. As formal approval moves forward, the next steps will involve final clearances from safety regulators and allocation of budget. Once built, the Tripunithura skywalk could become a model for inter-modal infrastructure proving that coordinated planning can deliver efficient, equitable, and sustainable urban transport solutions for Kochi’s residents.
Kochi Metro To Connect Tripunithura Rail And Metro Station
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