Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) has stepped up work on its Phase II project and is pursuing a revised completion deadline of August 2027. Managing director G Priyanka chaired a review meeting on 1 October to assess construction and other pending work across the corridor. The line is planned to connect Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor with SmartCity in Kakkanad. The review covered both construction progress and activities still awaiting completion.

KMRL said civil construction on the remaining sections would begin immediately after land acquisition is completed along the right side of the Palarivattom and Padamugal stretches. The agency has dropped its earlier plan to open the line in partial stages and is instead working towards commissioning the entire corridor by August 2027. The project is valued at Rs. 19.57 bn and has been delayed by utility shifting, land acquisition and funding clearances.

Progress reported by the operator includes the arrival of all specialised steel rails required for track installation. A total of 2,444 pieces have been manufactured to international standards. Foundation work at every station, including piling and pile-cap construction, has been completed, while about 85 per cent of viaduct piling is finished.

KMRL is also examining ways to strengthen its finances after Phase II becomes operational. Passenger revenue will be supplemented by non-fare income, with the operator planning measures such as semi-naming rights for stations and other commercial initiatives. These measures are intended to broaden the project's revenue base once services begin, although the agency did not provide financial estimates or a timetable for the commercial plans.