KOCHI: The construction of the Kochi Metro’s second phase, also known as the Pink Line, has gained significant momentum. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) plans to open the first stretch up to Padamugal by June 30 next year. Meanwhile, the entire 11.2-km line, connecting JLN Stadium in Kaloor to Infopark in Kakkanad, is scheduled for completion by December 31, 2026.
First U-Girder Installation Marks Key Milestone
Work picked up speed when KMRL installed the first U-girder on Friday. The 170-tonne girder, fabricated at the Kalamassery casting yard, was placed between pillars 284 and 285 along the Infopark Expressway. Workers transported it on a multi-axle trailer and positioned it on the pier caps using heavy-duty cranes.
A KMRL spokesperson explained, “We will continue placing girders along the Infopark Expressway. Once a one-kilometer stretch has girders, we will start laying the track.” This milestone signifies a crucial step toward operational readiness.
Timeline and Key Stations
The first operational segment will include five stations — Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, and Padamugal — in addition to JLN Stadium. This stretch will serve commuters in both residential and commercial hubs, helping to reduce traffic congestion and improve urban mobility.
The remaining portion will extend to Infopark, a major IT hub, ensuring seamless connectivity for employees and residents in Kakkanad.
Construction Progress
So far, KMRL has completed 65 pillars along SEZ, Alinchuvadu, and Vazhakkala. Workers have constructed 1,135 piles, including 875 for the metro viaduct and 260 for metro stations.
At the casting yard, workers have fabricated 100 U-girders, 72 A-girders, and 100 pier caps. Meanwhile, the tendering process for track construction is ongoing. By coordinating these tasks simultaneously, KMRL can ensure that track laying begins immediately after viaduct completion.
Innovative Track Alignment
Phase II will feature two tracks — ‘up’ and ‘down’ — running alongside the existing Aluva metro corridor. The Infopark-bound ‘up’ line will pass above the Aluva line near Kurishupally at Palarivattom and then continue toward Kakkanad.
Meanwhile, the returning ‘down’ track will run on the right side of the Aluva line for this one-kilometer section. This design eliminates the need for a second overpass and simplifies construction, saving both time and resources.
Significance of Phase II
Phase II of the Pink Line promises to transform urban mobility in Kochi. It will reduce travel time, provide a reliable public transport alternative, and ease traffic on major roads. Additionally, by encouraging commuters to shift from private vehicles to mass transit, the project supports sustainable urban development and reduces carbon emissions.
Background and Revised Timeline
KMRL laid the foundation stone for Phase II in September 2022. Initially, the project was scheduled for completion in 2025. However, KMRL revised the timeline to December 31, 2026, to accommodate the increased scope of work and maintain high safety and quality standards.
With key milestones, such as the first U-girder installation, already achieved, KMRL is on track to deliver modern metro connectivity for Kochi residents by the targeted dates.