RITES Ltd, a leading public sector enterprise under the Ministry of Railways, has emerged as the sole bidder for the consultancy services for preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed Phase III airport line of the Kochi Metro. This project will significantly enhance the city’s metro connectivity and urban mobility, contributing to the development of Kochi as a key metropolitan hub.The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) had earlier issued a Request for Proposal (RFP) in January, seeking consultancy services to finalise the DPR for the Phase III line, which will connect Aluva to Angamaly. The process of appointing a consultancy for the DPR was initiated after the Urban Transport Division of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) granted in-principle approval for central financial assistance (CFA) to fund the preparation of the report.
As the DPR is entirely funded by the central government, the final decision regarding the selection of the consultancy service rests with the Centre. The DPR will outline the specifics of the project, including the length of the Phase III corridor, its alignment, the number of stations, and their exact locations. One of the primary considerations will be the feasibility of implementing the corridor as a new independent line from Aluva to Angamaly, rather than simply extending the existing line from Tripunithura to Aluva.The selected DPR consultant will also examine the possibility of using rolling stock distinctfrom the trains currently employed in the Phase I and Phase II corridors. Additionally, the consultant will assess the potential for future expansion, specifically the extension of the Phase III line to the proposed Kochi GIFT City, which is part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. The expansion could open up new opportunities for economic and infrastructural growth in the region.According to the preliminary plans, Phase III of the Kochi Metro will be an 18-kilometre stretch that will feature approximately 15 stations. The corridor will begin at Aluva, continuing along National Highway 544 before heading towards the Aleena Valavu area near Akaparambu. From there, the line will pass through the Kariyad-Airport-Mattoor Road and ultimately reach the Nedumbassery International Airport. The final stretch will extend to Angamaly, providing seamless access to the city and its surrounding areas.
As part of the project, a crucial underground section will be constructed through Nedumbassery, extending approximately 3 kilometres. The underground metro station will be a first for the Kochi Metro network, contributing to the city’s development of sustainable and eco-friendly transport infrastructure.In terms of project progression, KMRL has already completed around 60% of the work, and the appointment of RITES Ltd for the DPR consultancy signals the next phase of development. With the central government’s backing and RITES’ expertise, the project aims to bring enhanced urban mobility to the Kochi region, reduce road congestion, and improve the overall quality of life for residents and visitors.The success of the Kochi Metro’s Phase III project is expected to have far-reaching implications for the region. It will foster greater connectivity between key urban centres, reduce traffic congestion, and significantly boost tourism and commerce by providing easier access to the airport and other major transit hubs. Moreover, the project aligns with the government’s vision of developing sustainable, green infrastructure that meets the growing demands of urban mobility.Once completed, Kochi Metro Phase III will become a critical component of the city’s transport ecosystem, complementing existing infrastructure while facilitating future growth. With RITES Ltd now tasked with preparing the DPR, the next few months will see the project take shape as more detailed plans are drawn up and approvals are finalised.
This project is a testament to India’s increasing focus on enhancing its urban transport networks and creating sustainable, eco-friendly, and efficient public transportation systems in cities across the country. As Kochi’s metro system continues to expand, it is expected to serve as a model for other growing urban centres aiming to improve their public transport infrastructure.The completion of the DPR will set the stage for the construction of this much-anticipated metro line, which will not only improve connectivity in the city but also contribute to the long-term sustainable development goals of the Kochi region.
