The Kochi Metro, extending from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kaloor to Kakkanad, is moving into top gear. Construction is progressing with a target to open the first five stations by June 30, 2026, though the project is nearly 100 days behind schedule, according to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) Managing Director. Contractors are directed to gear up the work.

So far as part of the second phase, 825 foundation piles have been completed for the viaduct and stations. Of these, 603 piles are for the viaduct and 222 for stations. The total requirement stands at 1,601 piles for the viaduct and 360 for stations. Piling works have already been finished at seven stations which includes Alinchuvadu, Vazhakkala, CSEZ, Palarivattom, KINFRA, Chembumukku, and Civil Station.

Meanwhile, construction of bridge girders for the metro is progressing at the casting yard. Out of the 500 required U-girders, 58 have been completed, while 24 of the 518 I-girders are also ready. Once a one-kilometer stretch of the viaduct across the central road is completed, track installation will begin.

According to KMRL, the construction of the remaining stations like Civil Station Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, KINFRA, and Infopark, is expected to be completed by December 2026. Services to these stations are scheduled to begin by December 31, 2026.

The second phase of the metro, known as the Pink Line, will cover a stretch of 11.2 kilometers from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium at Kaloor to Kakkanad. The estimated cost of construction for this phase is ₹1,957 crore.