Click it and Unblock the Notifications
The second phase of the Kochi Metro project has been delayed by almost a year due to temporary financial problems. Earlier, the first section of the corridor, from JLN Stadium to Padamughal, was expected to start operations by June 2026. However, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has now changed its
plan and aims to open the full 11.2-km stretch from JLN Stadium to Infopark by April 2027.
Reason behind the Delay of the Kochi Metro Project
The delay happened due to a shortage of funds, which affected important construction work. Due to this issue, KMRL has decided to cancel its earlier plan of opening the corridor in two stages, and the entire route will now be launched together instead. The main financial issue was related to a delayed foreign loan. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a loan of ₹1,016.24 crore for the project. After waiting for nearly a year, the Kerala government approved the loan process in February this year. A senior KMRL official said the process has now been completed and the first instalment of the loan is expected soon.
Kochi Metro Funding
With funding now available, KMRL plans to speed up civil and electrical work so that construction can be completed by December. After that, around three months will be needed for testing and safety checks before metro services begin. Construction work is progressing steadily. About 85% of piling work has already been completed, with only the JLN Stadium to Palarivattom section remaining. Afcons Infrastructure Ltd is carrying out the civil construction work under a contract worth ₹1,141.32 crore.
Kochi Metro Pink Line
The Pink Line will have 11 stations, including JLN Stadium, Palarivattom Junction, Chembumukku, Vazhakala, Padamughal, Cochin SEZ, Kinfra, and Infopark. KMRL is also considering whether trains should directly connect with the existing metro line or if passengers should change trains at JLN Stadium.
How will it Help Passengers?
The new metro corridor is expected to help around 75,000 employees of Infopark and 25,000 workers from Smart City and Kinfra, many of whom currently rely on private vehicles because of limited public transport options. Representatives from Kerala's IT workforce have requested authorities to complete the project quickly.