After train and water metro, Kochi to get light tram to solve traffic problems

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: In addition to the metro rail, a light tram project is also under consideration to solve the traffic congestion in Kochi city. If the process is completed, Kochi will become the first city in the country to implement a light tram. Although a tram service is currently in place in Kolkata, it is being considered to be discontinued.

The light tram used in Brisbane, Australia, is a miniature version of the tram, a public transport system widely used in European cities. This electric vehicle can travel in three coaches, similar to a train, and can accommodate 240 people.

Hess Green Mobility, which established a light tram in Brisbane, announced that it was suitable for Kochi in 2023. After that, Kochi Metro Company KMRL, which held discussions with the company, conducted a preliminary study and submitted the report for approval to the Kerala government. The water metro in Kochi had also received national attention.

In the first phase, a six and a half kilometer stretch starting from Kochi M.G. Road and reaching Thevara via High Court, Shanmugham Road and Marine Drive will be proposed for light tram service. This is an area where there is currently no metro rail service.

Next steps

• State government approval
• Central government approval
• Central financial assistance should be allocated to prepare the preliminary plan
• DPR
• Tendering process

Cost per kilometre...................45 crores