Kochi Metro Phase 2 Pink Line likely to miss June deadline due to funding issue

Kochi, India (Metro Rail Today): Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) is under mounting pressure to complete and commission the first stretch of Phase-II (Pink Line)—from Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) Stadium to Infopark—by June 30, even as slow progress in key civil works and unresolved funding issues raise serious concerns over the timeline.

While piling works have achieved nearly 80% completion, progress on core structures remains sluggish. Viaduct construction has reached only 30%, and pier works stand at 37%, casting doubt over the feasibility of meeting the mid-year deadline. The 11.2-km elevated corridor with 11 stations was originally targeted for completion by end-2025, later revised to December 31 this year, though KMRL aims to operationalise the first reach up to Padamugal by June.

A senior Metro official acknowledged the challenge, stating, “It’s a challenging task ahead, but we are leaving no stone unturned to open the first five stations by mid-year. Key tenders, including for the third-rail traction system, have been floated. However, timely availability of funds is critical.”

Funding Bottleneck a Major Concern

The biggest hurdle remains a one-year delay in securing foreign funding. The Kerala government is yet to approve sourcing a ₹1,116-crore loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB), amid concerns that it could impact the state’s borrowing limits and affect other development works.

Despite this, KMRL says construction activity has been intensified. Piling works are complete at Palarivattom, Alinchuvadu, Vazhakala, SEZ, Kinfra, Chembumukku and Civil Station Junction, while works at Infopark and Padamugal are progressing. Pier construction has been completed at several stations, including Palarivattom, Alinchuvadu, Chembumukku, Vazhakala, SEZ and Kinfra.

The ₹1,141.32-crore civil construction contract for Phase-II has been awarded to Afcons Infrastructure Ltd. The first operational stretch will include five stations—Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakala and Padamugal—while the second reach will extend to Infopark, covering key IT and industrial hubs.

Commenting on the developments, Mrs. Mamta Shah, MD & CEO, Urban Infra Group, said: “Kochi Metro’s Phase-II is a critical urban mobility project, especially for an IT-driven city like Kochi. While construction challenges are inevitable, timely financial closure is equally crucial. Delays in funding approvals can significantly impact execution momentum. Fast-tracking this corridor will not only decongest roads but also support sustainable commuting for tens of thousands of professionals working in Infopark and adjoining technology hubs.”

Commuters Urge Speedy Completion

Delays are already being felt by daily commuters, particularly IT professionals travelling to Infopark. Nearly 75,000 employees at Infopark, along with 25,000 staff from SmartCity and Kinfra, are expected to benefit from the Pink Line. With limited public transport options, many currently rely on private vehicles, leading to congestion and parking shortages.

“Metro operations will drastically improve daily commuting. We urge authorities to complete the corridor on a war footing,” said Anish Panthalani of Progressive Techies, a socio-cultural organisation representing IT professionals in Kerala.

As the June deadline approaches, the coming weeks will be crucial for KMRL, with funding decisions and construction pace set to determine whether Kochi’s long-awaited Pink Line can finally roll out its first services this year.