Developed with state-of-the-art technology, the Kochi Metro project is a flagship infrastructure project undertaken jointly by the Kerala government and the centre, for meeting the city’s growing travel demand. Operations on Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro started in June 2017. The development of a mass rapid transit system (MRTS) project in Kochi, also known as Kerala’s commercial hub, will bring about a phenomenal change in the city’s realty market, turning several localities into coveted hotspots for residential properties.
PM Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone of the Kochi Metro Phase 2 project and inaugurated the Petta-SN Junction of Phase 1A on September 1, 2022, at an event at the Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) trade fair and exhibition centre. The event was held in the presence of Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor Arif Muhammed Khan, Mayor M Anilkumar, Member of Parliament Hibi Eden, Transport minister Antony Raju and Kerala Industries minister P Rajeev.
On September 7, 2022, the Union Cabinet, chaired by Prime Minister Narendra Modi approved the Kochi Metro project’s phase 2.
The Petta -SN Junction stretch is the first stretch to be implemented directly by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Once the services start till SN Junction, Kochi will have a total of 24 metro stations. The trial runs on this section had started in May 2022. The revenue operations at SN junction and Vadakkekotta metro stations will begin around 7 pm, after PM Modi dedicates the project to the Kochi residents. With the inauguration of the metro stations for revenue operations, KMRL is expected to attain an average of one lakh commuters daily.
Further, development works on Phase 1B extension linking SN Junction to Tripunithura is under progress. Nearly 85 per cent of land acquisition has been completed. The completion of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of Kochi metro network will emphasise the concept of first or last mile connectivity and multi-modal integration by linking major residential and commercial hubs of the city with major transit hubs such as railway stations and bus stands.
Furthermore, PM Modi inaugurated the Kochi Water Metro project, the country’s first water Metro service, on April 25, 2023.
Under the second phase of Kochi Metro project, the JLN Stadium to Infopark-Kakkanad corridor, also known as the Pink Line, will be developed, as per media reports. According to KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera, the agency will float tender for the design and development of viaducts. Work on the Pink Line of Kochi Metro will start in December 2023 and the section will be ready by December 2025. Further, the JLN Stadium to Kakkanad section will comprise 11 stations and will be developed at a cost of Rs 1,957 crore.
PM Modi will inaugurate Kochi Metro Rail Phase-I Extension project (Phase IB) from the SN Junction Metro Station to the Tripunithura Metro Station on March 6, 2024. This will mark the completion of the 28-km Kochi Metro Phase-1 corridor, encompassing 25 stations spanning from Aluva to Tripunithura.
See also: All about Chennai metro
Kochi Metro: Quick facts
Developed by | Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) |
Phases | Phase 1, Phase 1A and Phase 1B |
Status | Phase 1 (operational, inaugurated in 2017)
Phase 1A (under-construction) Phase 1B (under-construction) Phase 2 (approved) Phase 3 (planned) |
Metro fare | Rs 10 up to Rs 60 |
Kochi Water Metro route | 15 routes (Vytilla and InfoPark Kochi operational) |
Kochi Metro project cost | Phase 1: Rs 6,218 crore
Phase 2: Rs 1,957 crore Water Metro: Rs 1,136.83 crore |
Kochi Metro: Latest updates
Kochi Metro joins ONDC to enhance mobility experience
April 4, 2024: Kochi Metro has joined the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), following the Chennai Metro’s successful integration with the network. ONDC has announced the addition of Kochi Metro Rail to its expanding mobility domain, as per media reports. This will help commuters in Kochi to buy single journey and return journey tickets through four buyer apps on the ONDC Network: Yatri, Paytm, Rapido and redBus. They can also book tickets on the PhonePe app.
Kochi Metro introduces WhatsApp ticketing facility
January 10, 2024: To boost digital ticketing and payments, the KMRL has introduced a WhatsApp ticketing facility in metro trains, according to media reports. With this, commuters can buy WhatsApp QR tickets through the KMRL WhatsApp number 9188957488. To buy a ticket, send ‘Hi’ to the number on WhatsApp and follow the instructions. Click on ‘QR ticket’ and then click on ‘Book ticket’. In the next step, select entry and exit stations from the list. Select the number of passengers. Finally, make the payment online by preferred mode. In case of cancellation, type and send ‘Hi’.
A 10% discount will be available on tickets purchased through WhatsApp during normal hours, while a 50% discount is applicable during non-peak hours (5:45 AM to 7 AM and 10 PM to 11 PM).
Update on Jun 23, 2023
KMRL to conduct study on the Aluva-airport extension
According to media reports, the KMRL has appointed a Delhi-based consultancy firm to conduct a revised study on the Aluva-Kochi airport extension under Phase 3 of the Kochi Metro rail project. Urban Mass Transit Company Limited (UMTC) will conduct a revised study. According to KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera, the agency is exploring the idea of adopting the Paris Metro model where passengers can check in their luggage at the metro station before boarding a flight.
Update on May 9, 2023
KMRL to sign MoU with NATPC to improve footfall in Kochi Metro
KMRL will sign an MoU with the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC) to conduct a three-month-long study to identify ways to increase patronage in Kochi Metro and its waterway extension, the Kochi Water Metro. The focus will be on seamless first and last-mile connectivity from metro stations and Water Metro terminals, primarily through autos and buses.
Kochi Metro map
(Source: Wikimedia Commons)
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The Kochi metro route map shows the various Metro stations in Kochi under the Metro Phase 1, Phase 1A and Phase 1B. The route starts from Aluva to Petta and comprises of 22 metro stations. The route has three additional Metro stations in Kochi at Vadakkekotta, SN Junction and Tripunithura Terminal.
See also: Bangalore metro map, routes, stations and latest updates
Kochi Metro stations
List of Metro stations under Kochi Metro Phase 1, Phase 1A and Phase 1B
Station name |
Aluva |
Pulinchodu |
Companypady |
Ambattukavu |
Muttom (Depot) |
Kalamassery |
Cochin University |
Pathadipalam |
Edapally |
Changampuzha Park |
Palarivatom |
JLN Stadium |
Kaloor |
Town Hall |
MG Road |
Maharaja’s College |
Ernakulam South |
Kadavanthra |
Elamkulam |
Vyttila |
Thaikoodam |
Petta |
Vadakkekotta |
SN Junction |
Tripunithura Terminal |
The Vadakkekotta station is the biggest among all the metro stations in Kochi with an area of 4.3 lakh square feet. It has large commercial spaces inside and outside the new facilities, unlike other stations. It has a design theme depicting Kerala’s role in the freedom struggle, while the SN Junction station has a theme featuring Ayurveda and its modern approaches.
KMRL has developed a two-lane Panamkutty Bridge with a footpath as part of its preparatory works for Phase I Extension, turning the stretch into a four-lane corridor. It was opened to the citizens on February 15, 2021, in a record 15 months’ time and about six months ahead of schedule.
Under the Metro Phase 1A project, the viaduct of 1.8 km from Petta to SN Junction is being implemented at an approved cost of Rs 710.93 crore as a state sector project. The construction activities related to the metro project have been completed, and the project is ready for inauguration.
The 1.20-km SN Junction-Tripunithura metro section has been developed at a cost of Rs 448.83 crore. It will cater to the traffic from eastern and western sides of Ernakulam. For the first time in the Kochi Metro, open web girder technology has been used along a 60-metre stretch of this route.
See also: Pink line metro route in Delhi, status, map and stations
List of Metro stations under Kochi Metro Phase 2
Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium |
Palarivattom Junction |
Palarivattom Bypass |
Chembumukku |
Vazhakkala |
Padamughal |
Kakkanad Junction |
Cochin SEZ |
Chittethukara |
KINFRA |
InfoPark 1 / Smart City 1 |
InfoPark 2 / Smart City 2 |
Kochi Metro Phase 1 B corridor covering 1.2 km from SN Junction to Thripunithura Terminal is under construction as a state sector project.
Also read about Phase 4 Delhi metro map 2022, stations list, route and latest news
Kochi Water Metro project, route map details
Kochi becomes the first city with water transport integrated as a feeder service (boat rides) to the Metro. The KMRL implemented the Kochi Water Metro project at an estimated cost of Rs 747 crores, with financial help from Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KFW), a German state-owned bank. Kochi Water Metro project is being developed as an integrated ferry transport facility in Greater Kochi region. It will serve as feeder service to the suburbs along the rivers. The project is aimed to utilise the inland waterways in and around the city.
On February, 15th 2021 the first route between Vytilla and InfoPark Kochi metro stations under Phase I of the Kochi metro project was inaugurated by Kerala Chief Minister, Pinarayi Vijayan.
On December 31, 2021, the Cochin Shipyard Limited (CSL), the shipbuilding company handed over the 23 battery-powered electric ferries to the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). The 50-seater boat was named Muziris. Around four more water metro boats are likely to be launched in a few months.
Nine hybrid boats built by CSL for the launch of the first phase on the High Court-Bolgatty-Vypeen route and Vytilla-Kakkanad route have completed rounds of trial runs months ago.
Kochi Water Metro route details
There are 15 routes planned under the water metro project and headways vary between 10 to 20 minutes. With a total length of about 76 km, the routes will connect 38 terminals across ten island communities and boatyards. Electrically propelled hybrid ferries will connect the Kochi islands with the mainland, thus benefiting over one lakh residents in the islands.
Kerala has 44 rivers and backwaters. As per officials, the integrated metro service linking rail, road, and water will facilitate the utilisation of inland water bodies for transportation.
Kochi Water Metro route features
- There are 78 electric boats under the Kochi Water Metro project.
- Passengers can use the Kochi 1 card to travel in Kochi Metro and Water Metro services. The facility of digitally booking the tickets will also be available to them.
- The boats of Kochi Water Metro, costing Rs 7 crore each, have been designed as coaches of Kochi Metro.
- The boat terminals, ticket counters, passenger entry and exit gates, and safety measures are similar to those of the metro rail service.
- Unlike traditional ferries, battery-powered boats are non-polluting, noise-free and produce low waves. Boat re-charging facilities are available in all terminals.
- The boats feature aluminium-catamaran hulls, and can travel up to a speed of 8 nautical miles per hour,
- They come with a seating capacity of 50 and can carry 100 passengers.
- The jetties have electronic display boards about the boat services. Announcements in the metro will be made in English, Hindi and Malayalam when the services operate in full swing.
See also: All about Colaba Bandra Seepz metro, the Mumbai Metro Line 3
Kochi Metro route
The Kochi Metro project will be developed in the following phases:
Kochi Metro Phase 1 (operational)
Kochi Metro phase 1 is a fully elevated metro line that connects Aluva to Petta and spans a total length of 25.16 kilometres. There are 22 metro stations in the Kochi Metro phase 1 line. The final stretch of 1.33 kilometres from Thaikoodam and Petta was opened for the public in September 2020.
Kochi Metro Phase 1A (under-construction)
The Kochi metro’s total length for Phase 1A and Phase 1B is 2.94 kilometres. Phase 1A of the Kochi Metro network will cover a length of 1.78 kilometres, linking Petta to SN Junction. Developed at a cost of Rs 299.87 crores, the Phase 1A extension of the project includes two stretches – from Petta to SN Junction, comprising two stations namely Vadakkekotta and SN Junction and a new Panamkutty bridge that is under-construction.
Kochi Metro Phase 1B (under-construction)
Phase 1B extension of the metro network will connect SN Junction to Thirupunithura Terminal, with a length of 1.16 kilometres. This Kochi metro route will be developed at an estimated cost of Rs 162.98 crores.
Kochi Metro Phase 2 (approved)
The Kochi metro phase 2 will run from JLN Stadium to Infopark, covering a total length of 11.2 kilometres. It will be an elevated route comprising of 11 metro stations on an elevated route, extending up to Kakkanad that is a major residential and commercial hub including an SEZ. Under the Union Budget 2021, Rs 1,957.05 crores was allocated for this project. This phase will incorporate multi-model integration by seamlessly connecting the metro line with the water transport-ferry system, bus system, bicycle parking, etc.
The Kerala Government has approved an amount of Rs 378.57 crore for the phase 2 of the Kochi Metro Rail project. The funds will be utilised for the development of the 11.8-kilometre Pink line connecting Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (JLN) to Kakkanad via Info Park, state finance minister K N Balagopal said in a statement as mentioned in media reports. Further, as per a TOI report, the state government has approved additional funds of Rs 24 crore for the preparatory works from JLN stadium to Palarivattom.
Funding agency, Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), will allocate Rs 1,016.24 crore at an interest rate of 3%. An amount of Rs 46.88 crore will be obtained through the public-private partnership (PPP) model.
Kochi Metro Phase 3 (planned)
Under the Kochi Metro phase 3 project, there are plans to extend the route from Aluva to Angamaly. The metro line will be connected to the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery.
Also read all about the DMRC metro rail network
Kochi Metro fares
The fare for Kochi Metro line 1 ranges from a minimum of Rs 10 up to Rs 60, depending on the distance covered. One metro ticket will be valid for a duration of up to 90 minutes, within which a passenger should exit the automatic gate.
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Kochi Metro: Construction timeline
- July 2012: Union cabinet approves the Rs 5,126-crore Kochi Metro project.
- June 2013: Construction work for Phase 1 begins.
- June 2017: Phase 1 inaugurated by prime minister, Narendra Modi.
- October 2017: The 5-km stretch from Palarivottam to Maharaja’s College Metro Station is inaugurated.
- July 2018: Phase 2 is approved by the Kerala government.
- September 2019: The 5.65-km stretch from Maharaja’s College to Thaikoodam is inaugurated.
- September 2020: Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro becomes fully operational.
See also: Salt lake metro route: All about the east west metro route in Kolkata
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd: Important facts
- The Kochi Metro project is the eighth inter-city metro rail project in India.
- The total cost of the Kochi Metro phase 1 network, spanning a total length of 25.16 kilometres, is Rs 6218 crores.
- The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which is also the implementing agency for Kochi Water Metro,is responsible for managing the train operations.
- It will be the first metro rail project that will be commissioned with an advanced communication-based train control (CBTC) signalling system.
- Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro project was completed in a record time of less than four years since its construction started.
- It is equipped with advanced facilities, including an automatic fare collection system, free Wi-Fi, facilities for the differently-abled, etc.
- Kochi Metro is the only metro in India to have USB charging ports inside trains
- The stations have been designed based on different themes, such as the heritage of Kerala, arts, culture, etc.
- The KMRL has tied up with agencies for delivering feeder bus services to commuters.
- The Delhi Metro Rail corporation has been entrusted with the task of preparing the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Kochi Metro project.
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Kochi Metro Rail Project Cost
The phase 1 corridor of the Kochi Metro project, covering around 25 km, is being developed at an overall cost of Rs 6,218 crores. The phase 2 corridor of over 11 km will be developed at the cost of Rs 1,957 crore.
According to the government’s funding pattern for Kochi Metro phase 2, the Centre and state governments will contribute Rs 274.90 crore as equity in the metro project. Further, the centre and the state government will contribute Rs 63.85 crore each (3.77%) as subordinate debt for 50% of central taxes to the phase 2 project. A loan from multilateral agencies will amount to Rs 1,016.24 crore (60%). The overall cost will be Rs 1,693.74 crore, excluding land, resettlement, rehabilitation, etc.
The Kochi Water Metro project was developed at a cost of Rs 1,136.83 crore, funded by the Kerala government and Kreditanstalt für Wiederaufbau (KfW), a German funding agency.
After the final stretch from Petta to Thaikoodam became operational in September 2020, the daily ridership is expected to be close to one lakh.
Eco-friendly initiatives
The project adheres to eco-friendly practices with the use of solar power for meeting a quarter of its total electricity needs. There are plans to develop a 4MW solar power plant for the Kochi Metro project, with an aim to achieve about half the electricity requirements. There will be solar panels on each station.
Vertical gardens set up at every sixth pillar, which will use recycled waste, is another striking feature of the project.
Land acquisition
The Revenue Department has finalised the compensation amount for 2.01 acres of land to be acquired for the project.
Kochi Metro: Real estate impact
The Kochi Metro project, which is being developed in various phases, is set to boost connectivity in the city and decongest road traffic. Moreover, the Kochi Water Metro aims to provide connectivity from the mainland of Kochi, a commercial destination of Kerala, to 10 nearby islands through a ferry boat service operating on the backwaters of Kochi.
Key localities in Kochi, such as Kakkanad, Aluva, Piravom, Pookkattupady, Angamally, Edathala, Pallikkara, Cherthala and Aroor, have been witnessing increased demand for residential properties owing to the upcoming infrastructure. This will also result in a significant uptick in property prices.
Kochi Metro: Contact details
Citizens can contact Kochi Metro on the following address:
Address: JLN Metro Station, 4th Floor, Kaloor, Ernakulum, 682017
Numbers: 0484-2846700, 0484-2846770, 1800-425-0355
Email: contact@kmrl.co.in
Housing.com News Viewpoint
Kochi Metro is witnessing expansion, which is aimed at enhancing the connectivity within the city. The Kochi Metro project phase 3 will comprise the airport line, which is expected to provide easy access to the airport, resulting in a significant rise in metro ridership. The upcoming metro projects will also boost the real estate investment opportunities along the metro corridor.
FAQs
Is Kochi Metro operating?
Phase 1 of the Kochi Metro is fully operational from September 2020.
At what time Kochi Metro starts?
Kochi Metro timings on phase 1 of the network start at 6 am and are available till 10 pm.
Who is the owner of Kochi Metro?
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), a joint venture company, is the special purpose vehicle (SPV) responsible for building and running the Kochi Metro.
How many stations are there in Kochi Metro?
There are 24 stations of the metro line from Aluva to SN Junction.
Which is the last metro station in Kochi?
The last metro station on the operational Kochi Metro line (Blue line) from Aluva is Thripunithura.
What is the speciality of Kochi Metro?
The Kochi Metro project includes Water Metro services comprising electric boats.
What is the time of Kochi Metro?
The timings for Kochi Metro services are from 6 AM to 10:30 PM from Monday to Saturday and 8 AM to 10:30 PM on Sundays.
What is the timing of the first train from Blue Line in Kochi?
Train services on Kochi Metro start from 6 AM Monday-Saturday and 8 AM on Sunday.
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