World · India Bureau
Kochi Metro Gets New Chief as Behera's Tenure Ends
A District Collector has assumed additional charge as Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, taking over as the incumbent's term concludes. The transition comes as the metro prepares for a major expansion project.
LSN India ·
The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has appointed a District Collector to serve as Managing Director on an additional charge basis, effective from the conclusion of incumbent Loknath Behera's tenure on August 30.
The leadership change occurs at a critical juncture for the rapid transit system. KMRL is advancing the ₹1,957-crore Kakkanad extension project, which is scheduled for commissioning within the next year. The new infrastructure is expected to significantly expand the metro's operational footprint in the city's eastern corridor.
Once the Kakkanad extension becomes operational, KMRL will redirect its focus toward planning and executing the third phase of the metro network. The transition in leadership aims to ensure continuity during this expansion phase, though a permanent Managing Director appointment is pending.
The appointment of an additional charge holder is a common administrative practice when organisations await a permanent leadership successor. KMRL's expansion roadmap represents one of South India's significant infrastructure development initiatives.