DMRC seeks opportunity to take up operation and maintenance of the Kochi Metro Rail network

Kochi, India (Rail & Metro Today): The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) is seeking an opportunity to take up the operation and maintenance (O&M) of the Kochi Metro network, as Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) prepares for a major expansion of its urban rail system. The proposal could bring DMRC’s extensive experience in managing metro operations to Kochi at a time when the network is expected to grow significantly in the coming years.

A senior DMRC official has confirmed that the organisation is actively pursuing the proposal with KMRL. DMRC had previously submitted an O&M proposal to KMRL, but the plan was not taken forward when Kochi Metro was operating only its Phase I corridor.

The situation has changed with the development of new metro projects. With the second phase of Kochi Metro progressing and a third-phase proposal already submitted, KMRL is expected to face a substantially larger operational and administrative responsibility.

DMRC Expands Its Metro O&M Portfolio

DMRC has developed significant experience in providing O&M services beyond the Delhi Metro network. The organisation is currently involved in the operation and maintenance of metro systems in Mumbai and Chennai, demonstrating an emerging model in which an experienced metro operator provides specialised technical and operational expertise to other urban rail agencies.

In Mumbai, DMRC has been awarded a 10-year O&M contract by Mumbai Metro Rail Corporation Ltd for the 33.5-kilometre fully underground Colaba-Bandra-SEEPZ corridor, commonly known as Metro Line 3. Its responsibilities cover day-to-day train operations, station operations, operations control centre and depot management, as well as comprehensive asset maintenance.

In Chennai, DMRC has secured a 12-year O&M contract with Chennai Metro Rail Ltd for the 116.1-kilometre Phase 2 network.

The experience gained through these assignments could be relevant to Kochi as KMRL prepares to manage a larger and more complex metro system.

Kochi Weighs Different O&M Models

KMRL currently manages the technical operations of Kochi Metro internally. The organisation recruits employees directly and provides specialised training before deploying them across operational roles.

While the in-house model provides direct control over operations, the expansion of the network could increase pressure on KMRL's manpower and administrative resources.

One of the challenges relates to the long-term deployment of specialised employees. For example, if a train operator becomes medically or otherwise ineligible to continue driving under prescribed safety standards, the employee may need to be moved to another suitable role. Such situations can create additional manpower and financial management challenges for the operator.

Against this backdrop, KMRL is reportedly examining the possibility of a partial O&M model, under which some operational responsibilities could remain under the direct control of KMRL while specialised functions are supported by an external metro operator.

A wider arrangement with DMRC could also provide access to a larger pool of trained technical and operational personnel and reduce the need for KMRL to independently manage every aspect of manpower development as the network expands.

“As metro networks expand, the O&M model becomes an important part of long-term system planning. Kochi’s experience highlights the need to balance direct organisational control with access to specialised expertise, trained manpower and established operating systems. Collaboration between experienced metro organisations can also facilitate knowledge transfer and help emerging networks prepare for larger and more complex operations,” said Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group.

Expansion Could Change Kochi Metro Operations

KMRL's operational responsibilities are expected to increase considerably as new corridors are added. The organisation is also looking beyond Kochi, with proposed metro developments in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode forming part of the wider urban mobility ambitions of Kerala.

Managing several metro systems across different cities could require a broader institutional structure, standardised operating procedures and a significantly larger technical workforce. A unified or partially outsourced O&M framework could potentially allow common expertise and systems to be deployed across multiple projects.

However, the proposal remains under consideration, and no final decision has been announced. According to officials, the issue will be examined by KMRL's new management after the appointment of a new Managing Director.

For Kochi Metro, the O&M decision will therefore form part of a broader discussion about how the organisation should structure its workforce, technical capabilities and operating systems for the next phase of network growth. As Kerala moves towards expanding urban rail beyond the existing Kochi corridor, the experience of established metro organisations such as DMRC could become an important reference point in determining the future operating framework.