Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is in a tight race to inaugurate the initial segment of its Phase II expansion, known as the Pink Line, by the end of June. The target is to commence operations on the stretch from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Infopark by June 30, but significant construction hurdles and a crucial funding delay are threatening this ambitious timeline.
Construction Progress and Persistent Delays
While KMRL has ramped up efforts, with piling work nearly 80% complete, critical civil construction is lagging. Officials report that viaduct construction has reached only 30%, and pier works stand at 37%. This slow pace raises serious questions about the feasibility of the June deadline.
A senior Metro official acknowledged the challenge but affirmed their commitment. "It's a challenging task ahead, but we're leaving no stone unturned to open the first five stations by the middle of this year," the official said. The corporation has already floated tenders for key components like the third rail traction system.
The Critical Funding Hurdle
The most significant roadblock is a financial one. The project has suffered a one-year delay in securing a foreign loan of Rs 1,116 crore from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). The state government has yet to grant approval, reportedly due to concerns that it would affect the state's borrowing limit and impact other development works.
"Adequate funding is crucial for speedy implementation," the Metro official emphasized, highlighting the direct link between financial clearance and on-ground progress.
Station-Wise Progress Update
Despite the challenges, work is advancing at several stations. Piling works are complete at:
- Palarivattom
- Alinchuvadu
- Vazhakala
- SEZ
- Kinfra
- Chembumukku
- Civil Station Junction
Work is ongoing at Infopark and Padamugal stations. Furthermore, pier construction is finished at Palarivattom, Alinchuvadu, Chembumukku, Vazhakala, SEZ, and Kinfra stations.
Public Impact and Commuter Plea
The delay directly affects thousands of daily commuters, particularly IT professionals traveling to Infopark. The Phase-II project, an 11.2-km elevated corridor with 11 stations, was initially slated for completion by end-2025. The deadline was later revised to December 31 this year, with KMRL aiming to open the first reach up to Padamugal by June 30.
Anish Panthalani of Progressive Techies, an organization of IT park employees, stressed the urgent need. "Beginning Metro operations will facilitate easy commuting for 75,000 Infopark employees, besides another 25,000 from SmartCity and Kinfra," he said. He pointed out the current reliance on private vehicles leading to acute parking problems and urged authorities to complete the work on a war footing.
The civil construction contract for Phase-II, worth Rs 1,141.32 crore, is held by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. The first reach set for June opening includes five stations: Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakala, and Padamugal. The subsequent reach will connect Civil Station Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, Kinfra, and Infopark.
