Kochi: The Kerala government has sought financial assistance from the Centre to extend the Kochi Metro’s third phase to Cochin International Airport and onwards to Angamaly. The detailed project report for the new route, which includes a metro line from Aluva station to Nedumbassery Airport and further to Angamaly, is currently under preparation. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has confirmed that a letter has been sent to the central government requesting funding for this project.
The third phase of the metro network is designed to include an underground section near the airport. This phase aims to connect key locations, including the airport, via a 5 km underground stretch. The project is being revised after changes were deemed necessary in the original plan. If the Centre does not approve financial support, KMRL will bear the costs of preparing the revised project report.
Revised Plans and Budget Estimates
Originally, the plan for Phase 3 involved a metro line from Aluva to Angamaly, with a subsequent connection to the airport. However, due to logistical challenges in constructing two separate metro lines, the route has been reconsidered. A new alignment is being explored, which will extend from Aluva to the airport, and then onwards to Angamaly. The revised plan, which is still under detailed evaluation, is expected to cost approximately Rs 8,000 crore, though this figure may increase further as the project progresses.
The revised route is expected to span 19 km, with metro construction involving both elevated and underground sections. While much of the metro line will be elevated, a crucial section near the airport will pass underground. Preliminary discussions have already been held with Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL), and further talks will be based on the finalised project report.
Proposed Route and Potential Land Acquisitions
The revised route will begin from Aluva, passing through Athani and Kariyad Junction, before heading towards the airport. Once at the airport, the line will pass underground for a 5 km stretch, before transitioning back to an elevated line towards Angamaly. A major aspect of this plan is the need for land acquisition, particularly in areas near the airport. As the detailed project report (DPR) takes shape, further changes to the route and additional land requirements may be suggested.
The total length of the metro line from Aluva to Angamaly via the airport is currently estimated at 19 km. The land acquisition for this expanded route will be significant, with plans indicating that the project will require the acquisition of 6.5 hectares of land. The cost of the project, as per the initial estimates, stands at Rs 3,115 crore, though the total cost may increase based on the new design and any changes that arise during further planning.
Original Plan for the Third Phase
The initial plan for the third phase had envisioned a route from Kakkanad to the airport and then extending further to Angamaly. The traffic studies and the DPR for the Angamaly section were completed earlier, and the original plan included 11 stations, with a total length of 14 km. The estimated cost for this segment was Rs 3,115 crore, and the expected number of commuters by 2031 on the Angamaly route was projected to be around 112,000 per day.
As the detailed planning and studies continue, authorities are committed to finalising the route based on in-depth evaluations of feasibility and land acquisition challenges.
Published: 10 Nov 2024, 08:16 am IST
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