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Kochi Metro may need eight more trains to provide frequent services after the completion of its Pink Line Phase II project. According to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) Managing Director Loknath Behera, the total number of trains required will increase from the current 25 to 33. However, the plan to purchase the additional trains is currently on hold because of funding issues.
Kochi Metro to Get More Trains
Kochi Metro currently has 25 trains, all purchased for Phase I. Usually, 18 trains operate at a time, while seven others are kept available to replace trains undergoing regular maintenance.
The Phase II project will extend the metro network by 10.58 km from JLN Stadium to Infopark in Kakkanad. The elevated corridor will have 10 new stations. Once this section becomes operational, the existing fleet may not be enough to maintain frequent services while also allowing sufficient time for maintenance.
KMRL estimates that eight additional trains will help maintain a service interval of around seven to 10 minutes. Without these trains, passengers may have to wait nearly 20 minutes between services on the Phase II section. Although identified by KMRL, the train requirement was raised by the previous government; the state government had asked the agency to seek financial assistance from the Centre.
Kochi Metro's Challenges
Funding remains the main challenge. The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) is reportedly ready to provide financial support, but both the central and state governments need to agree on the arrangement. If central assistance is not provided, the Kerala government may have to bear the entire estimated cost of Rs 275 crore.
Another concern is the time needed to manufacture and deliver the trains. KMRL estimates that the trains could take around two years to arrive after an order is placed. This means an order placed now may result in delivery only around 2028.
KMRL aims to complete the Phase II extension up to Infopark by June 2027. Viaduct construction is expected to finish by March 2027, followed by station and traction system works. The project is supported by a Rs 1,016-crore AIIB loan.