Kochi Metro Phase III Line Connecting Aluva to Angamaly Takes Significant Step Forward
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has initiated the process to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the much-anticipated Phase III Metro line. This line will connect Aluva to Angamaly via Kochi Airport, further enhancing connectivity in the region. The urban transport division of the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MoHUA) has granted in-principle approval for central financial assistance (CFA) to support the preparation of the DPR, paving the way for KMRL to take the next crucial steps in the metro’s expansion plans.
The Phase III extension will span approximately 18 kilometres, linking key areas such as Aluva, the Kochi Airport, and Angamaly, providing a vital transport route for the city’s commuters. The metro line will travel along the National Highway 544, covering several important towns, and will feature around 15 stations. One of the most notable features of the plan is the 3-kilometre-long underground stretch between Nedumbassery and the Kochi Airport. This underground segment is designed to alleviate congestion and preserve the area’s aesthetics while maintaining seamless connectivity for passengers. The project will extend beyond Angamaly, incorporating a further 2-kilometre stretch towards Thrissur, providing future scope for further network integration with neighbouring regions. This plan aligns with the long-term vision to improve regional connectivity and offer greater mobility options to residents, workers, and tourists alike.
As part of the request for proposal (RFP) process, KMRL will study the feasibility of implementing the Phase III corridor as an independent line, rather than as an extension of the existing Tripunithura to Aluva line. This decision is crucial as it could significantly impact both the construction timeline and operational aspects of the new line. Another aspect under consideration is the type of rolling stock that will be used. The DPR consultant will evaluate the potential for using rolling stock different from that currently employed in Phase I and II of the metro, ensuring that the trains deployed in the new line are optimised for performance, passenger comfort, and efficiency. Additionally, the RFP documents also include a provision to study the feasibility of extending the Phase III line to the proposed Kochi GIFT City at Ayyampuzha, part of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor. This extension would further cement Kochi’s position as a key urban hub in the region, potentially creating thousands of new jobs and boosting the local economy.
The grant of central financial assistance by MoHUA reflects the government’s continued commitment to improving urban infrastructure in Kerala, enhancing public transport, and promoting sustainable mobility. Once the DPR is finalised, KMRL plans to move forward with the construction of the Phase III line, expected to significantly improve the metro’s reach and ease congestion in the city. This expansion is not just a triumph for Kochi’s public transport system but a step towards making the city more accessible and sustainable. As more people rely on metro services for daily commutes, the introduction of the Phase III line will be a game-changer, particularly for those travelling to the airport and nearby industrial zones.
The comprehensive approach taken by KMRL, coupled with the clear focus on future growth, promises an integrated metro network that will continue to transform Kochi into a modern, connected urban landscape. The development of the Phase III metro line marks another major milestone in Kochi’s journey toward enhanced urban mobility. With an emphasis on sustainable transport and future expansion, the new metro corridor will not only ease traffic congestion but also provide a much-needed solution to the growing demand for better connectivity between key commercial and residential zones in the city. The approval of the DPR process sets the stage for a more connected, efficient, and future-ready Kochi.
