Kochi Metro needs 17 more trainsets for Kakkanad, airport extension

Currently, the metro system operates a total of 25 rakes on the 27 km long Aluva-Thripunithura Blue Line. | Photo credit: H. VIBHU

A total of 17 additional train rakes would be required by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), keeping in mind the expected completion of the 11.20 km pink metro line to Kakkanad by August 2027 and the subsequent extension of the airport by about 19 km, according to metro officials.

Currently, the metro system operates a total of 25 rakes (including emergency ones) on the 27 km long Aluva-Thripunithura Blue Line, with each rake having three cars.

While 17 additional trainsets would be needed to provide an operating frequency of approximately one train every six to seven minutes on both proposed extensions, the availability of five to eight trainsets would allow trains to maintain this frequency on the proposed Pink Line. Otherwise, it may be necessary to increase the track lead to a train every 10 to 11 minutes. If trains were to run every three minutes like in the Delhi Metro, at least 10 trains would be needed, officials said.

The decision to procure trains would be taken on the basis of expected passenger demand and other parameters such as availability of depot space. In view of the expansion of the airport and the large number of international flights that operate from here late at night, the metro trains would also have to be operated from midnight to 5:00 am (during which time the metro does not operate now). Meanwhile, the metro agency has dropped plans to build an underground metro station at the airport to ensure seamless access to the airport.

People’s representatives, NGOs and others have intensified their demand for the extension of the metro beyond the international airport to Angamaly railway station. A decision on this will be taken in consultation with the state government, metro sources said.

Published – 04 Sep 2026 22:33 IST