Kochi Metro name change; CM says he did not know, Behera says it is up to government

Kochi: The proposed renaming of Kochi Metro Rail Limited as Keralam Metro Rail Limited has triggered a debate in Kerala, with KMRL managing director Loknath Behera saying the state government has the final authority to accept or reject the recommendation.

KMRL has recommended changing its name to Keralam Metro Rail Limited, arguing that the existing city-specific name does not reflect its expanding responsibilities across Kerala.

Behera said the proposed change would allow the organisation's name to reflect its wider role in urban transport projects beyond Kochi.

The proposal still requires government approval before any name change can take effect. Further corporate and central approvals would also be required at later stages.

Why KMRL wants a wider name

KMRL is no longer involved only with Kochi Metro. It is also involved in the Kochi Water Metro and electric mobility projects and has responsibilities connected with proposed metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.

KMRL has therefore argued that a broader name would better represent its current and future activities across the state.

The proposal follows similar naming changes involving metro companies in other states, according to KMRL.

Kerala government approval remains crucial

The proposed change has faced political opposition, with several leaders questioning the need for the renaming.

The government has also indicated that it was not consulted before the proposal became public.

With the final decision resting with the state government, the proposal remains pending rather than being an approved name change.

What changes if approved

A change in the company's name would not itself alter KMRL's existing assets, liabilities, contracts, employees or legal identity, according to the reported proposal.

The key change would be the company's official identity as it potentially expands its role in metro and urban transport projects across Kerala.

The dispute is partly about identity and jurisdiction. KMRL's current name is closely associated with Kochi, while the organisation's responsibilities have expanded into water transport, electric mobility and proposed metro projects beyond the city.

Behera's latest position makes clear that KMRL's recommendation is not a final decision. The Kerala government must first consider the proposal, after which further approvals would be required. The controversy therefore centres on whether the broader role justifies changing an established name associated with Kochi Metro, and on the process followed before putting the proposal before the government.