Kochi Metro to acquire 17 additional train sets for expansion lines

Kochi Metro officials have identified the need for 17 additional train rakes to operationalise the proposed Pink Line extension to Kakkanad and the subsequent airport corridor at the required service levels. The new rakes will enable the metro system to maintain a train frequency of six to seven minutes across the combined 30.20-kilometre route expansion.

The 11.20-kilometre Kakkanad corridor alone will require only five to eight rakes for its dedicated operations. However, the addition of the 19-kilometre airport extension necessitates the procurement of the larger fleet to ensure minimal waiting times and improved passenger throughput across both lines.

The expansion of the metro network represents a significant step in enhancing public transportation infrastructure in the Kochi metropolitan region. The enhanced frequency on these new corridors is designed to encourage ridership and provide commuters with a reliable alternative to road transport during peak hours.

The acquisition of the additional rolling stock forms part of Kochi Metro's broader capital expenditure plans as it prepares for the operational phase of these extensions. Officials are working to finalise procurement timelines to ensure the rakes are available before the respective corridor inaugurations.