KOCHI: Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is racing to finish the first stretch of Phase II (Pink Line) from Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium to Infopark by June 30.
Although construction activities have increased with 80% of the piling work completed, there’s concern over the slow progress of essential civil works. Viaduct construction is at just 30%, and pier work is at 37%, leading to doubts about timely completion.
“It’s a tough task, but we’re determined to open the first five stations by mid-year. We are already tendering key works, including a third rail traction system, but we need sufficient funding for quick progress,” stated a senior Metro official.
KMRL officials have pointed out a year-long delay in securing foreign loans as the main hurdle. The state government has yet to approve a ₹1,116 crore loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, fearing it could impact its borrowing limits affecting other vital projects.
“We’ve expedited elevated track works and advanced station construction. Piling is complete at Palarivattom, Alinchuvadu, Vazhakala, SEZ, Kinfra, Chembumukku, and Civil Station Junction, while work continues at Infopark and Padamugal,” they noted.
The Phase II project, an 11.2 km elevated and electrified Metro rail line with 11 stations, was originally expected to be completed by the end of 2025, but this has been moved to December 31 this year. KMRL aims to open the first section to Padamugal by June 30.
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd holds the ₹1,141.32 crore contract for civil construction in this phase, which includes five stations: Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakala, and Padamugal. The second section covers Civil Station Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, Kinfra, and Infopark stations.
Delays in Metro construction have caused inconvenience for daily commuters, especially those in the IT sector at Infopark. Tech professionals have urged authorities to expedite completion of the Infopark line.
“Initiating Metro operations will greatly enhance commuting for 75,000 Infopark employees, plus 25,000 from institutions like SmartCity and Kinfra. Public transport is insufficient, forcing techies to rely on private vehicles, leading to significant parking challenges. We call on authorities to expedite work and open the Phase II corridor promptly,” said Anish Panthalani of Progressive Techies, a socio-cultural group of IT professionals in Kerala.
