Kochi Metro Phase II construction begins, Edachira extension considered

10 Aug 2023 CW Team

Construction work has commenced for the second phase of the Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) project, which aims to establish a connection between the city and its IT hub situated at Infopark. The inaugural step in this phase was the initiation of work on the first station along the route, located in proximity to the Cochin Special Economic Zone (CSEZ).

According to a KMRL representative, the planned piling work has commenced. The initial station to be developed on this route will be situated close to CSEZ. This project is advancing with the assistance of Systra and Systra MVA Consulting India as general consultants, while Egis India has been entrusted with the role of detailed design consultant. In the near future, there are plans to release tenders inviting proposals for the construction of viaducts.

The second phase of the project encompasses the creation of an elevated line spanning 11.2 kilometres, connecting the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium station to Infopark, passing through Kakkanad and encompassing a total of 11 stations. The central government has granted an allocation of Rs 19.57 billion for the execution of this endeavour. The process of land acquisition between the JLN Stadium and Palarivattom regions is anticipated to conclude by September. A KMRL official stated, "Approximately 90 per cent of the land required for the Palarivattom-JLN stretch has already been acquired. The remaining land acquisition is anticipated to be concluded by September."

In the meantime, there is an ongoing evaluation of the proposal to extend the metro line to Edachira. An official from KMRL shared that discussions have taken place between KMRL and the Thrikkakara municipality regarding the expansion of phase 2 to Edachira. However, no definitive decisions have been reached at this point.

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