Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has proposed changing its name to Keralam Metro Rail Limited. KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera has submitted the recommendation to the Kerala government and sought in-principle approval for the proposed change.
Kochi Metro's Renaming
The main reason behind the proposal is that KMRL is no longer limited to operating the Kochi Metro. The organisation is now involved in several urban transport projects across Kerala. According to KMRL, its present city-specific name does not fully represent the wider range of work it is undertaking.
KMRL has completed the first phase of the Kochi Metro from Aluva to Tripunithura and is currently operating profitably. The second phase, which will connect JLN Stadium with Smart City through Kakkanad, is under construction. The 10.58-km elevated corridor will have 10 stations and is expected to begin commercial operations by August 2027.
Apart from the metro, KMRL is also involved in the Kochi Water Metro and electric mobility projects. It is also responsible for the proposed metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode. The organisation is working on other transport-related initiatives, including feeder buses, taxis and autorickshaws, along with non-motorised transport facilities such as footpaths and cycle tracks.
The proposed name change follows a similar approach adopted in other states. Nagpur Metro was reorganised as Maharashtra Metro, while Lucknow Metro became Uttar Pradesh Metro and Ahmedabad Metro became Gujarat Metro.
However, the name change will require several approvals. Apart from the Kerala government, approval will be needed from KMRL's board of directors, shareholders, the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the Central Government.
The proposed change will not affect KMRL's existing assets, liabilities, contracts, employees or legal status. It is mainly intended to give the organisation a name that reflects its expanding role in Kerala's urban transport sector.