KMRL explores underground metro station at Kochi Airport

12 Jan 2024 CW Team

While the majority of the Aluva-Angamaly corridor is planned as elevated lines, KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera stated that they are considering an underground station at the airport to enhance passenger convenience and avoid land acquisition challenges in the area. This decision follows the CMP report and a technical study conducted by experts. The detailed project report will undergo modifications and be submitted for government approval. Behera highlighted the success of underground metros and stations in cities like Delhi and Agra, emphasising the need for a similar approach in Kochi. Once operational, this metro line is expected to enable passengers to check in their baggage from any metro station to the airport.

Regarding the Thiruvananthapuram Metro project, Behera mentioned that the new CMP recommends a conventional metro instead of the previously proposed light metro, based on projected traffic data for the year 2051. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has submitted the final alignment for the recommended corridors, with 37 identified stations and a maintenance depot at Pallipuram. The proposed alignment includes an underground section from Eanchakkal to Killipalam, and the detailed project report is expected to be completed by January for submission to the state government.

Additionally, KMRL has completed the preliminary CMP for Kozhikode, with plans for a stakeholder meeting to discuss the metro project further. Behera mentioned that an evaluation of the feasible metro type for the city will be conducted based on Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) data.

The Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) announced its intention to extend the metro corridor between Aluva and Angamaly in phase-3, potentially incorporating an underground station at the Kochi airport. The Urban Mass Transit Company's comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) proposes the extension, emphasising that connecting the Aluva-Angamaly metro corridor to the airport will establish direct links from key nodes like Tripunithura, Kakkanad, and Angamaly to the airport. While the majority of the Aluva-Angamaly corridor is planned as elevated lines, KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera stated that they are considering an underground station at the airport to enhance passenger convenience and avoid land acquisition challenges in the area. This decision follows the CMP report and a technical study conducted by experts. The detailed project report will undergo modifications and be submitted for government approval. Behera highlighted the success of underground metros and stations in cities like Delhi and Agra, emphasising the need for a similar approach in Kochi. Once operational, this metro line is expected to enable passengers to check in their baggage from any metro station to the airport. Regarding the Thiruvananthapuram Metro project, Behera mentioned that the new CMP recommends a conventional metro instead of the previously proposed light metro, based on projected traffic data for the year 2051. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has submitted the final alignment for the recommended corridors, with 37 identified stations and a maintenance depot at Pallipuram. The proposed alignment includes an underground section from Eanchakkal to Killipalam, and the detailed project report is expected to be completed by January for submission to the state government. Additionally, KMRL has completed the preliminary CMP for Kozhikode, with plans for a stakeholder meeting to discuss the metro project further. Behera mentioned that an evaluation of the feasible metro type for the city will be conducted based on Peak Hour Peak Direction Traffic (PHPDT) data.

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