KMRL Announces December 2026 as Likely Completion Date for Metro Phase II.

Work on the second phase of the Kochi Metro, extending the line to Infopark and SmartCity via Kakkanad, is expected to be completed by December 2026, Loknath Behera, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), said recently.

Addressing the media after KMRL signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, Mr. Behera said efforts were under way to complete at least the civil and electrical works on the stretch from JLN Stadium to Padamugal by June, in line with the earlier plan to commission the first five stations of Phase II.

He said the entire project would need to be completed within the four-year deadline ending in December 2026 to avoid issues such as cost escalation. However, he pointed to several hurdles affecting progress, including delays in piling due to the “surprise” detection of a gas pipeline between Alinchuvadu and Padamugal along the proposed alignment, and the non-availability of land for the Chembumukku and Padamugal stations.

“Strategically, we have decided to proceed with construction in stretches that are free, while simultaneously carrying out other processes such as issuing tenders for track works,” Mr. Behera said.

Responding to a query on the delay in State government approval for an approximately ₹1,200-crore loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank, he said Cabinet approval would be obtained soon.

Elaborating on the MoU with IISc, Mr. Behera said the partnership aims to combine KMRL’s experience in developing and operating multimodal urban transport systems with IISc’s data-driven research expertise. The collaboration, he said, would help design integrated solutions for the Metro Rail, Water Metro, canal-based transport, and other mobility initiatives, ensuring equitable access, reduced congestion, and lower carbon emissions.

Ashish Verma, Professor of Transportation Planning and Policy at IISc, said the collaboration was focused on addressing real-world urban mobility challenges through evidence-based research. M. P. Ramnavas, Director (Projects), KMRL, also spoke on the occasion.