DPR submitted for 17.5 km Aluva-Angamaly corridor under Kochi Metro Phase 3

Kochi, India (Rail & Metro Today): The proposed expansion of the Kochi Metro network towards Cochin International Airport (CIAL) has taken an important step forward, with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) submitting the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the 17.5-km Phase 3 corridor between Aluva and Angamaly to the Kerala State Government.

The proposed corridor will provide direct metro connectivity from Aluva to Angamaly via Kariyad and the Cochin International Airport, extending the reach of Kochi's urban rail network towards one of Kerala's most important transportation gateways.

The DPR, prepared following a study that began in November last year, is now expected to undergo the required review and approval process at the state level before being forwarded for consideration by the Union Government.

Hybrid Corridor Planned with Airport Connectivity

The proposed Kochi Metro Phase 3 is planned as a hybrid corridor of approximately 17.5 km, combining elevated and underground infrastructure.

The alignment is expected to run on an elevated viaduct along NH 544 up to Kariyad before transitioning to an approximately 3-km underground section near Nedumbassery to provide direct integration with Cochin International Airport.

An underground station is proposed at the airport, after which the corridor will return to an elevated alignment towards Angamaly.

The hybrid design is expected to address the geographical and infrastructure challenges of providing direct rail access to the airport while extending rapid transit connectivity towards northern parts of the Kochi metropolitan region.

The development is particularly significant as direct metro connectivity to CIAL has been among the important long-term expansion proposals for the Kochi Metro network.

15 Stations Proposed from Aluva to Angamaly

The proposed Phase 3 corridor is expected to feature 15 stations, connecting key residential, commercial and transportation nodes along the route.

The stations proposed in the DPR include Thottakkattukara, Kunnampuram, Parambayam, Nedumbassery, Athani, Kariyad, Airport Railway Station, Cochin International Airport, Nayathode, Kavarapparambu, Arikkal Junction, LF Hospital, Angamaly Town, Kothakulangara and Karayamparambu.

The proposed Airport Railway Station and Cochin International Airport stations could strengthen multimodal integration by connecting metro services with air and railway transport facilities in the region.

Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said, “The submission of the Kochi Metro Phase 3 DPR is an important milestone for the future expansion of urban mobility in Kerala. Direct metro connectivity to Cochin International Airport, combined with an extension towards Angamaly, has the potential to significantly improve multimodal connectivity and provide commuters with a reliable alternative to road-based travel. The proposed corridor can further strengthen the role of Kochi Metro as a regional mobility backbone.”

Next Step Towards Government Approval

The Phase 3 proposal will now require approval from the Kerala State Government before progressing to the Union Government for further consideration. The submission of the DPR is an important procedural step, but construction and implementation will depend on the necessary government approvals, funding arrangements and subsequent project clearances.

Former KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera had earlier indicated that the DPR for the third phase had been submitted to the government.

If approved and implemented, the Aluva-Angamaly corridor will mark a major expansion of the Kochi Metro network beyond its existing and ongoing routes.

By linking Aluva, Kariyad, Cochin International Airport and Angamaly through a combination of elevated and underground infrastructure, Kochi Metro Phase 3 could provide an important high-capacity public transport connection for airport passengers, employees, daily commuters and residents.

The project would also support the development of a more integrated transport system across the Kochi metropolitan region, with metro connectivity complementing road, railway and air transport. As the DPR moves into the government approval process, the proposed 17.5-km airport metro corridor is expected to be closely watched as a major next step in Kochi Metro's future expansion plans.