KMRL invites bids for supply of Heavy-Duty Escalators for Kochi Metro Phase 2 Pink Line

Kochi, India (Metro Rail Today): Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has invited bids for the design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing and commissioning of heavy-duty escalators for Phase-II of the Kochi Metro Rail Project.

The tender forms part of the infrastructure packages aimed at preparing stations along the upcoming Pink Line corridor for passenger operations and ensuring efficient vertical mobility within metro stations.

The tender has been issued under Tender Number KBE-03/2026 with reference KMRL/PROC/TENDER/2025-26/105, covering the complete end-to-end delivery of escalator systems.

The scope of work includes conceptual design, manufacturing, supply, installation, testing and final commissioning of heavy-duty escalators, ensuring seamless integration with the station infrastructure of Kochi Metro Phase-II.

The completion period for the contract is 18 months from the date of the Letter of Acceptance (LOA).

KMRL has set the earnest money deposit (EMD) at ₹45.26 lakh, with no exemption available for Micro and Small Enterprises (MSEs). The cost of the tender document has been fixed at ₹23,600 (including GST and processing charges).

A pre-bid meeting is scheduled for 19 March 2026 at 11:00 hrs, with both physical and video conference participation options available. The last date for issuing addendums is 27 March 2026, while bids must be submitted by 6 April 2026 at 15:00 hrs.

The technical bids will be opened on 7 April 2026 at 15:30 hrs.

The escalator package will support station readiness for Kochi Metro Phase-II, also known as the Pink Line.

The 11.2-kilometre elevated corridor will connect Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium with the Infopark IT hub in Kakkanad, passing through 11 stations along one of Kochi’s fastest-growing commercial and residential corridors.

As of March 2026, construction progress on the corridor has reached nearly 50 percent, with viaduct installation works currently underway.

Once operational, the corridor is expected to significantly improve connectivity between central Kochi and the Kakkanad IT district, which hosts major technology companies, government offices and educational institutions.

Heavy-duty escalators are a critical component of metro station infrastructure, enabling smooth passenger movement between concourse and platform levels, particularly during peak hours.

These systems are designed to handle high passenger volumes while maintaining reliability, safety and energy efficiency. The escalators will also support accessibility for commuters, complementing elevators and other passenger movement systems across the stations.

Commenting on the development, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said that station infrastructure such as escalators and lifts plays a vital role in delivering a seamless commuter experience in modern metro systems.

“Efficient passenger movement systems are essential for the smooth functioning of metro stations, particularly in high-density urban corridors. The deployment of heavy-duty escalators in Kochi Metro Phase-II will enhance commuter convenience, improve accessibility, and ensure safe movement across station levels,” she said.

She added that as metro networks continue to expand across Indian cities, integrating reliable station infrastructure and passenger amenities will remain key to improving public transport adoption.

Kochi Metro Phase-II represents a major expansion of Kerala’s first metro rail system, extending rapid transit connectivity to emerging residential, commercial and IT clusters across Greater Kochi.

With infrastructure works progressing steadily and key system tenders being issued, the project is moving closer to delivering modern, efficient and sustainable urban mobility for the city’s growing population.