Johnson Lifts emerges as Lowest Bidder for Kochi Metro Phase 2 Elevator Contract

Kochi, India (Metro Rail Today): In a significant development for the Kochi Metro Phase 2 project, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has declared Johnson Lifts Private Limited as the lowest bidder for the heavy-duty elevator contract. The tender, which includes the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of machine-room-less elevators, carries a completion deadline of 730 days.

KMRL had opened the technical bids on 29 September 2025, confirming the participation of two firms. Technical evaluation concluded on 27 November 2025, following which the financial bids were opened the same day. Johnson Lifts emerged as the lowest bidder with a quote of ₹17.4 crore, outperforming Otis Elevator Company (India) Limited, which submitted a bid of ₹19.7 crore. Soon after the evaluation, Johnson Lifts received the Letter of Acceptance, formalising its selection for the contract.

The elevator tender forms an important part of the 11.2 km Phase 2 expansion of Kochi Metro, also known as the Pink Line, which will run from JLN Stadium to Infopark through 11 stations. The corridor aims to improve public transport access to Kochi’s rapidly developing IT and industrial clusters, especially in the Kakkanad–Infopark region. Construction progress on the stretch has been steady, with visible advancements such as pier cap installations and viaduct work led by the main contractor, Afcons Infrastructure.

The Pink Line is expected to open partially by June 2026, with services likely to operate initially up to Padamugal. The full corridor is slated for completion by December 2026, extending metro connectivity to major hubs such as KINFRA, Infopark and several residential and commercial pockets along the Kaloor–Kakkanad route. The expansion is projected to significantly ease traffic congestion on the busy Seaport–Airport Road and improve last-mile accessibility for thousands of tech professionals and daily commuters.

KMRL recently announced Schindler India Private Limited as the lowest bidder for the escalator package of Phase 2, highlighting the accelerated pace at which system contracts are being finalised.

With tendering and civil works progressing swiftly, Kochi Metro Phase 2 is moving closer to transforming mobility across one of Kerala’s most dynamic urban zones.