Kochi Metro Phase II: The 2026 Countdown Begins

Work on Phase II of the Kochi Metro, which will extend the line to Infopark and SmartCity via Kakkanad, is expected to be completed by December 2026, Loknath Behera, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), said.

Speaking to the media after KMRL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Mr. Behera said efforts were under way to complete the civil and electrical works on the stretch from JLN Stadium to Padamugal by June, in line with earlier plans to commission the first five stations of Phase II.

He said the project must be completed within the four-year deadline ending in December 2026 to avoid cost escalation. However, progress has been affected by several challenges, including delays in piling due to the unexpected detection of a gas pipeline between Alinchuvadu and Padamugal along the proposed alignment, and the non-availability of land for the Chembumukku and Padamugal stations.

“Strategically, we have decided to proceed with construction in stretches that are free, while simultaneously carrying out parallel processes such as issuing tenders for track works,” Mr. Behera said.

On the delay in State government approval for an approximately ₹1,200-crore loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, he said Cabinet approval is expected soon.

Explaining the MoU with IISc, Mr. Behera said the collaboration seeks to combine KMRL’s experience in developing and operating multimodal urban transport systems with IISc’s data-driven research expertise. The partnership aims to design integrated mobility solutions covering the Metro Rail, Water Metro, canal-based transport, and other initiatives, with a focus on equitable access, reduced congestion, and lower carbon emissions.

Ashish Verma, Professor of Transportation Planning and Policy at IISc, said the collaboration would focus on addressing real-world urban mobility challenges through evidence-based research. M. P. Ramnavas, Director (Projects), KMRL, was also present at the event.

News by Rahul Yelligetti.