Kerala Cabinet Greenlights AIIB Loan to Accelerate Kochi Metro Phase II
In a significant move poised to transform urban mobility in Kochi, the Kerala state cabinet has granted formal permission to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) to secure a substantial loan of Rs 1,016.24 crore from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). This financial injection is earmarked for the highly anticipated Pink Line extension, a critical component of the Kochi Metro Phase II project.
Project Details and Strategic Importance
The Pink Line will stretch 11.2 kilometers, connecting Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad. This extension is expected to be a game-changer for the region, particularly benefiting thousands of IT professionals and collectorate employees. By providing a seamless, traffic-free connection to the Special Economic Zone (SEZ), the project aims to drastically reduce commuting times and alleviate the perennial congestion on the Seaport-Airport Road.
"KMRL has been officially authorized to enter into loan and project agreements with AIIB," confirmed a reliable source, highlighting the formalization of this crucial financial framework.
Overcoming Delays and Accelerating Construction
Originally, the plan was to open the first five stations of Phase II by June 2026. However, a fund crunch had significantly hampered the pace of construction activities. KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera recently indicated that the focus is now on completing at least the civil and electrical works on the stretch between JLN Stadium and Padamugal by that timeframe.
Despite piling work being nearly 80% complete, progress on critical civil works, especially viaduct construction, has remained a concern. With the financial framework now firmly in place, KMRL is poised to accelerate these civil works and station construction. Sources added that this development will facilitate the completion of the Pink Line by December 2026, aligning with the scheduled deadline.
Contract and Station Breakdown
Afcons Infrastructure Ltd has been entrusted with the Rs 1,141.32 crore contract for the civil construction of the Phase II project. The Pink Line is divided into two reaches:
- First Reach: Includes five stations — Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakala, and Padamugal.
- Second Reach: Comprises Civil Station Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, Kinfra, and Infopark stations.
This strategic infrastructure development underscores the government's commitment to enhancing public transport and reducing urban congestion in Kochi, setting a precedent for future metro expansions in the region.
