Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has announced plans to use artificial intelligence (AI) in its upcoming projects, including the second phase of the metro to Kakkanad, the third phase to Angamaly, and the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Metro.

KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behra said the initial focus will be on five key sectors where AI can be implemented most effectively. These include ticketing, crowd control and schedule planning.

Mode of operandi

The announcement came as KMRL signed a memorandum of understanding with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to enhance public transport systems through new technologies such as AI, the Internet of Things (IoT) and blockchain. Rajagiri Engineering College will also support the initiative.

A previous study conducted by KMRL in collaboration with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) identified 25 potential areas for AI deployment. The five sectors selected for the first phase were considered the most practical and cost-effective.

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“It is more cost-effective to introduce AI technology on new routes than on existing ones,” said Behra. He added that retrofitting AI on existing metro lines would be more expensive, hence the focus on upcoming phases and the Thiruvananthapuram Metro.

IISc Professor Ashish Varma said the goal is to make Kochi a model city for public transport systems nationwide.

Second phase (Kaloor to Kakkanad) to be completed by December

Behra also said that construction of the second phase of the Kochi Metro, from Kaloor Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Kakkanad, is expected to be completed by December this year. The project was originally planned to be finished within four years.

He added that the metro could be extended to Smart City if land is acquired. An in-principle agreement exists to build a station there, but land has not yet been secured. Smart City authorities must decide in consultation with the state government. If land is acquired, the metro could be extended after completing the tender process. Otherwise, the second phase will extend only up to Infopark.

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The project has faced delays, including the relocation of a gas pipeline and pending land acquisition for entry and exit gates at stations in Vazhakkala and Padamugal. Behra said construction is continuing day and night in areas without obstructions.

He added that the detailed project report for the third phase to Angamaly is expected to be ready by mid-March.