Kochi Metro to extend to this region; marking work starts for new route

KOCHI: Preparations for the third phase of the Kochi Metro have officially begun. The new route will extend from Aluva to the Kochi Airport and further to Angamaly town. Initial marking work has started as part of the groundwork for the detailed project report (DPR). A Haryana-based company has been tasked with preparing the DPR within six months. Marking has already been carried out near the old police quarters along the national highway in Angamaly.

The proposed Aluva–Airport–Angamaly stretch will cover 18 kilometres. The project aims to benefit air travellers and ease the heavy travel burden in the region. Over 3 kilometres of the route near the airport is planned as an underground section. Extending the Metro to the airport and Angamaly is expected to accelerate development in the northern parts of Ernakulam district.

Thousands of people commute daily from Angamaly and the eastern parts of the district to Kochi using KSRTC and private buses. These buses are often overcrowded, causing considerable inconvenience to passengers.

There has also been a long-standing demand that trains should have a stop at Angamaly, but the issue remains unresolved. In this context, linking Angamaly in the Metro’s next phase is expected to benefit a large number of commuters. Residents of Angamaly have also urged that the Metro be extended further to Karukutty, which falls within the Greater Kochi region.