Kochi: If the metro route is to be extended from Ernakulam to Thrissur, the Central Government should change the metro policy, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) managing director Loknath Behra said. As per the current policy, the metro cannot be extended beyond one city. The only exemption in this is the metro connecting Delhi with NCR (National Capital Region), Behra said. 

“Union Minister Suresh Gopi had talked about extending the Kochi metro to Thrissur. I explained to him that this would require a change in policy. He assured that the necessary interventions would be made,” Behra said. He also pointed out that as there is no such policy as of now, KMRL cannot carry out a feasibility study on this route at present. According to the estimate of the Union Ministry of Urban Affairs, the construction cost for 1 KM of metro is Rs 250 Crore.

Loknath Behra said that the government is giving first priority to the capital city among the Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode metro projects. A decision will soon be taken on matters, including the alignment of the Thiruvananthapuram metro project. 

An alignment was proposed based on a technical survey conducted by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). They suggested that it be carried out in two stages. However, taking into consideration the suggestions received from various sectors, five alignments have been found. The government will select the possible alignment from this. Based on this, DMRC will prepare a project outline. The funding agency will be found after seeking approval of the State Cabinet and the Centre.

Kozhikode metro route is planned to be 14 kms long. However, it is not possible to say now what kind of metro will be instituted here. A meeting of various agencies was held in Kozhikode based on the comprehensive transport plan. Further steps are pending. 

The major construction work of the second phase of the planned Metro from Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Kakkanad will begin soon. A site at HMT will be taken as the casting yard. It is planned to begin trail services on this route March 2026 onwards. A comprehensive transport plan has been prepared as part of the third phase from Aluva to Angamaly and Nedumbasserry. A meeting of various agencies to discuss this will be called soon.

Water Metro: 15 more boats to be added

A tender has been called for the construction of 15 more boats for the Water Metro. These boats can carry 1000 people. The main issue the service is facing is the lack of enough boats. There are 14 boats now. More are needed on routes including Fort Kochi and Vypin.
Various projects are being planned to increase the revenue of the Water Metro. Water Metro stations will be named after commercial establishments. Restaurants, offices etc are planned around the Water Metro stations. Kochi Metro has been able to increase its operating profit this year as well. The number of passengers also increased. Behra said that various schemes are being implemented with the aim of increasing the non-ticket revenue and increasing passengers.

Light Tram Feasibility Report

The feasibility study report of implementing a Brisbane-model light tram service in Kochi is ready. The Hess Green Mobility group, which has implemented light trams in various parts of Australia, including Brisbane, has submitted a technical feasibility study report.
A 6.5 KM light tram is planned from M G Road metro station to Thevara via High Court Junction- Menaka- Jos junction. The service in Kochi is planned on rail, just like the metro. The government should give permission after evaluating its technical feasibility. Further steps will be taken as per government instruction.