The Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) is moving forward with Phase-II of the metro project while simultaneously commissioning a Delhi-based consultancy firm to conduct a revised study for the Aluva-Kochi airport extension, which falls under Phase-III of the rail project. The Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC), specialising in sustainable urban mobility solutions, has been entrusted with the task of conducting the revised study. According to KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera, the need for a new study for Phase-III arose because the previous study conducted in 2014 had become outdated. The 2014 study for Phase-III is no longer current, and we cannot proceed with the project based on its data. Therefore, we have assigned UMTC to conduct the revised study, stated Behera. He further mentioned that KMRL aims to release the data on the possibilities and technologies to be incorporated for Phase-III by the first or second week of July. KMRL is also interested in collaborating with the Cochin International Airport (CIAL), which would benefit from the extension of the metro rail. Since both the central and state governments are involved in the project, it would be beneficial if we can collaborate with CIAL, explained Behera. KMRL is exploring the idea of adopting a Paris Metro model, where passengers can check in their luggage at the metro station itself before boarding a flight, he added. Behera emphasised that the people of Kochi and tourists departing from the city's airport would benefit greatly from the extension of the metro rail. The metro and check-in service will save them money and help them avoid traffic. Instead of spending Rs 1,200 on a taxi, they would only need to pay a maximum of Rs 60 for a metro ticket and utilise the baggage check-in facility at the metro station. They can then proceed directly to the passenger lobby for boarding their flight, Behera explained. He also highlighted that major cities like Paris and London offer similar services, where passengers' luggage is collected from the train and transported to the aircraft. The airport and the metro work together, he added. Behera mentioned that even ministers and Members of Parliament in Delhi utilise the airport metro line primarily to avoid traffic congestion and for the convenience it provides. In summary, KMRL is actively seeking a partnership with the Kochi airport, which would benefit from the extension of the metro rail. Additionally, KMRL is considering implementing a model similar to that of Paris, where passengers can check in their luggage at the metro station before boarding their flights.