Kochi Metro

This article is about the elevated rapid transit system. For the urban agglomeration, see Kochi metropolitan area.

Kochi Metro
Overview
OwnerKochi Metro Rail Limited
LocaleKochi, Kerala, India
Transit typeRapid Transit
Number of lines1 (Operational)
1 (Under construction)
1 (Planned)[1]
Number of stations25
Phase I – 25
Phase II – 11[2]
Phase III – 14[3]
Daily ridership100,000+ (July 2024)[4]
Annual ridership3.1 crores (31 million - 2023)[5]
Chief executiveLokanath Behera, MD
HeadquartersJawaharlal Nehru Stadium Metro Station, 4th Floor, Kaloor, Kochi, Kerala – 682017[6]
WebsiteKochi Metro
Operation
Began operation17 June 2017; 7 years ago (2017-06-17)[7]
Operator(s)KMRL
Train length3 coaches[8]
Headway8 minutes[8]
Technical
System length28 km (17 mi) (operational)[9]
11.2 km (7.0 mi) (Phase II – Under construction)
19.9 km (12.4 mi) (Phase III – Planned)[3]
Track gauge1,435 mm (4 ft 8+1⁄2 in) standard gauge[10]
Electrification750 V DC third rail[11]

The Kochi Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Kochi and the wider Kochi Metropolitan Region in Kerala, India. It was opened to the public within four years of starting construction, making it one of the fastest completed metro projects in India.[12][7] The Kochi metro project is the first metro system in the country which connects rail, road and water transport facilities. It is also the first metro rail system in India to be operated using the Communication-Based Train Control (CBTC) signalling system, which requires minimum human intervention. The Kochi Water Metro is integrated with the Kochi Metro, which also serves as a feeder service to the suburbs along the rivers where transport accessibility is limited.[13]

A metro rake approaching MG Road metro station

Kochi Metro is being constructed in three phases. The construction work of the first phase began in June 2013. The 13.4 km (8.3 mi) section of the line from Aluva to Palarivattom consisting 11 stations was opened to passengers on 17 June 2017 by Narendra Modi, the Prime Minister of India.[14] The first phase spanning 28.125 km (17.476 mi) from Aluva to Thrippunithura with 25 stations was completed in March 2024 at an estimated cost of ₹51.81 billion (US$620 million).[15] The second phase from JLN Stadium to Infopark-Kakkanad, known as the Pink Line, is expected to be commissioned by 2028.[16] Kochi Metro was lauded for its decision to employ Kudumbashree workers and also members of the transgender community.[17] It is the world's first rapid transit system whose entire management operations are handled by women.[18] The system is also involved in sustainable initiatives with the introduction of non-motorized transport corridors in the city, installation of solar panels for power and vertical garden on every sixth metro pillar. Every Kochi Metro station is designed on a specific theme around Kerala culture and geography.[19] Apart from the regular tickets, it has also adopted a single card, single timetable and a singular command and control. This debit card along with the Kochi One Mobile App allow passengers to access all modes of public transportation. It can be also utilized for mercantile and internet transactions and will introduce the click and collect feature in the near future where goods ordered online can be collected in the metro stations.[20] Google and Kochi Metro Rail Limited have announced a partnership to enhance digital ticketing options for metro users through Google Wallet.[21] In October 2017, Kochi Metro was named the Best Urban Mobility Project in India by the Urban Development Ministry, as part of the Urban Mobility India (UMI) international conference hosted by the ministry every year.[22]

  1. ^ "Kerala govt gives nod for Kochi Metro phase II extension". Malayala Manorama. Retrieved 3 October 2017.
  2. ^ Paul, John L. (21 November 2016). "SIA for metro's Kakkanad extension to begin soon". The Hindu. Retrieved 11 December 2016.
  3. ^ a b "KMRL shoots down costly UMTC proposal". The Times of India. 12 January 2018. Retrieved 12 January 2018.
  4. ^ https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/kochi-metro-daily-ridership-surpasses-1l-mark-in-10-days/articleshow/111702189.cms
  5. ^ "Average monthly ridership 25 lakh in 2023, Kochi Metro guns for more". The New Indian Express. 10 January 2024. Retrieved 10 January 2024.
  6. ^ "Contact – Kochi Metro Rail Ltd". Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. Retrieved 24 July 2016.
  7. ^ a b "Kochi Metro a 'futuristic infrastructure that will contribute to India's growth': What PM Modi said at inauguration". The Indian Express. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  8. ^ a b "Kochi Metro trains to have 3 coaches to carry 1,000 passengers". NDTV. Press Trust of India. 24 May 2013.
  9. ^ January 2018 "Metro Rail Projects in India – Quick Snapshot proposal". Retrieved 12 January 2018. {{cite news}}: Check |url= value (help)
  10. ^ "Metro reaches Kochi". Archived from the original on 15 July 2012. Retrieved 4 July 2012.
  11. ^ "DMRC issues tender for Kochi metro trains |". International Railway Journal. 23 July 2013. Retrieved 28 September 2013.
  12. ^ "Kochi Metro creates national record". Deccan Chronicle. 14 March 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  13. ^ "All you need to know about Kochi Metro". Madhyamam. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 30 July 2017.
  14. ^ "PM Modi to inaugurate Kochi Metro on June 17". mathrubhumi.com. Mathrubhumi. 30 May 2017. Retrieved 30 May 2017.
  15. ^ "Kochi Metro Phase 1 Now Complete, PM Modi Inaugurates Thripunithura Terminal Station". Times Now. 6 March 2024. Retrieved 9 March 2024.
  16. ^ ലേഖകൻ, മാധ്യമം (2 September 2023). "കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ കാക്കനാട്ടേക്ക്; നിർമാണം ഡിസംബറിൽ ആരംഭിക്കും". Madhyamam. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  17. ^ "Many firsts for Kochi metro, vertical gardens, open loop card and more". The Hindu. Kochi, India. 17 June 2017. Retrieved 17 June 2017.
  18. ^ "Facility management centre gets SKOCH award". The New Indian Express. 3 October 2018. Retrieved 4 October 2018.
  19. ^ Praveen, M. p.; Paul, John L. (8 July 2017). "Many firsts for Kochi Metro: vertical gardens, open-loop cards and more". The Hindu.
  20. ^ "Kochi One card and Kochi One mobile application launched". The Times of India. 17 June 2017. ISSN 0971-8257. Retrieved 10 September 2023.
  21. ^ Bureau, BL Kochi (10 May 2024). "Google ties up with Kochi Metro for digital ticketing". BusinessLine. Retrieved 20 May 2024. {{cite web}}: |last= has generic name (help)
  22. ^ "Kochi Metro zooms past Chennai, Nagpur to emerge best". Malayala Manorama. 31 October 2017. Retrieved 3 November 2017.