As Indian cities work towards building smarter and more sustainable transport systems, metro rail systems have emerged as a cornerstone of urban mobility. Kochi Metro is one such rapid transit system, serving Kochi and its surrounding metropolitan areas in Kerala. Launched in 2017, Kochi Metro is one of the fastest metro projects to be completed in the country. The Phase I network spans approximately 28 km from Aluva to Thrippunithura, with 25 operational stations. In an interview with Indian Infrastructure, Loknath Behera, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), shared his perspective on the key trends shaping the metro rail sector, the corporation’s achievements over the past year, technological advancements, sustainability initiatives, challenges faced, and the organisation’s key priorities and focus areas going forward. Edited excerpts…
What are the key trends shaping the metro rail sector in India?
India’s metro footprint continues to expand rapidly, encompassing both Tier I and Tier II cities. Cities such as Kochi, Nagpur, Pune and Indore continue to advance metro projects. This reflects a strategic push under the National Metro Rail Policy, 2017, with an emphasis on integrated urban transport and network scaling across diverse cities.
There has been a significant focus on sustainability and net-zero operations. India’s metro systems are increasingly embracing solar and other renewable energy sources to power stations and depot operations. Energy-efficient technologies such as regenerative braking, LED lighting and green-certified stations are also being widely implemented.
Efforts to enhance commuter convenience through contactless ticketing, mobile apps, QR-code systems, and initiatives such as the National Common Mobility Card (NCMC) are gaining momentum. Data analytics and artificial intelligence (AI) are being used for passenger flow management and operational efficiency.
There has been a strong push for integration with other modes of transport such as buses, suburban trains, water metro and non-motorised transport to provide seamless connectivity. Transit-oriented development (TOD) is also gaining importance to optimise land use and enhance last-mile access.
Public-private partnership frameworks are increasingly being used in financing, construction and operations (for instance, in Hyderabad Metro). Real estate and retail development along metro corridors are being leveraged to improve financial sustainability.
Metro projects are increasingly exploring green bonds, climate finance and carbon credit certification to fund low-carbon infrastructure. These projects are now incorporating climate-resilient designs, such as flood- and seismic-resistant structures, given India’s vulnerability to floods, cyclones and heat stress.
“Metro projects are increasingly exploring green bonds, climate finance and carbon credit certification to fund low-carbon infrastructure.”
Kochi Metro continues to set benchmarks by employing women and transgender individuals in operations. Its initiatives include accessibility features for differently-abled passengers, corporate social responsibility activities and passenger-centric services.
What has been the progress on network expansion in your city? What are the targets and timelines?
The construction of Kochi Metro’s Phase II is actively under way, with completion expected by the end of 2026. KMRL is pushing ahead despite delays in funding and land acquisition. Meanwhile, the detailed project report (DPR) is being prepared for Phase III of the project, which will connect Aluva and Angamaly via the airport link. The DPR is scheduled to be completed by December 2025.
What smart mobility technologies and solutions are being adopted to streamline operations and improve service delivery?
Kochi Metro has embraced multiple smart ticketing and payment solutions to enhance commuter convenience. These include QR-code tickets (generated through apps or ticket vending machines), contactless/NCMC-enabled cards, unified payment interface/mobile wallets, and fare capping and product bundles (day passes and event passes). To elevate the commuter experience, Kochi Metro provides a journey planner with multimodal options (bus/water metro/feeder). It offers Wi-Fi services at its stations, digital kiosks and in-app service alerts. Accessibility technologies provided include audio-visual guidance, tactile maps and wayfinding beacons.
Kochi Metro has integrated its operation control centre (OCC) with automatic train supervision for headway optimisation. Communication-based train control/automatic train operation systems are being used for higher frequency and safety. Further, internet of things sensors are being used on rolling stock, track and power assets for condition-based and predictive maintenance. Digital twins/building information modelling are being used for asset lifecycle management and worksite coordination.
Kochi Metro employs a supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) system for traction, stations, heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC), and escalator/elevator operations. The metro’s trains are equipped with regenerative braking, smart meters and energy dashboards. On the environmental front, Kochi Metro incorporates automated water monitoring, leak detection, pump optimisation, solar PV monitoring platforms and net-metering analytics.
A suite of advanced safety and security systems has been integrated to ensure passenger well-being and operational integrity. The network features CCTV surveillance with video analytics (left-object detection, intrusion, crowd density), incident management systems integrated with OCC and field teams. In terms of emergency communication, the metro has deployed SOS points, panic buttons and live public address overrides. It is also steadily enhancing its multimodal and last-mile connectivity to create a seamless urban mobility network. It has integrated parking zones and developed a non-motorised transport-friendly station design.
What steps are being taken to ensure sustainability in construction? What strategies are being adopted for energy efficiency, renewable integration and carbon footprint reduction?
KMRL has taken significant strides towards sustainable construction by embracing green building standards. All of its new stations are designed as Indian Green Building Council/Green Rating for Integrated Habitat Assessment green-rated structures, incorporating natural lighting, ventilation and rainwater harvesting. Eco-friendly materials such as fly ash-based cement, recycled aggregates, low-volatile organic compound paints and sustainable alternatives are being used. It prioritises waste management, segregation, reuse and recycling of debris; disposal through authorised agencies and on-site sewage treatment plants; as well as reuse of treated water for curing, landscaping and cleaning. For noise and dust control, acoustic barriers, sprinklers and dust suppression systems are being used while undertaking civil works.
In addition, it has deployed energy-efficient lighting (LED), HVAC systems, escalators and regenerative braking in trains. SCADA-enabled systems are being used for tracking energy consumption in traction, stations and depots. Through its electrified feeder systems, it integrates electric feeder buses, e-auto rickshaws and strategically placed charging points to curb reliance on fossil fuels.
Further, KMRL has embraced solar energy on a significant scale, deploying a combination of rooftop and ground-mounted solar PV systems, with surplus power being fed into the grid through net metering. Kochi Metro aims to source 60 per cent of its non-traction power from renewable energy sources in the coming years. Construction of Phase II of the project targets net-zero carbon emissions by adopting low-carbon technologies and offsetting measures. Emissions mapping will ensure regular carbon inventory preparation to track and reduce emissions. Finally, TOD initiatives aim to reduce private vehicle dependency by integrating the metro with buses, water metro and non-motorised transport.
What are the key challenges being faced?
Metro rail systems in India face numerous challenges. High capital costs, driven by investments in infrastructure and technology, make these projects exceedingly expensive. Moreover, land acquisition and rehabilitation frequently stall progress, hampered by legal disputes, and social and political hurdles. Financial viability is another challenge with fare revenues often falling short of covering operational costs.
Operational challenges further complicate matters – metros grapple with high maintenance demands, substantial power consumption and the constant imperative to ensure passenger safety and reliability. Finally, environmental and social concerns, including noise, vibration and displacement of communities, spark local opposition.
What will be the organisation’s key focus areas and priorities for the next two years?
Kochi Metro’s key focus areas and priorities for the coming years are expanding the network, improving last-mile connectivity, embracing digital and smart mobility initiatives, achieving financial sustainability, and enhancing the passenger experience and safety. We are also ready to implement the successful water metro project at a number of locations in India.
“Kochi Metro’s key focus areas and priorities for the coming years are expanding the network, improving last-mile connectivity, embracing digital and smart mobility initiatives, achieving financial sustainability, and enhancing the passenger experience and safety.”
