In India, new metro lines are changing how people travel — making daily commutes faster, easier, and more reliable. After cities like Bengaluru, Mumbai, and Delhi expanded their metro networks, Kochi is now set to benefit from an upgraded metro network. The much-awaited Kaloor–Kakkanad Pink Line of the Kochi Metro is expected to start operations by June 2026. Scroll down for all the details!
New Metro Line To Open Soon In Kochi
In Kochi, Kerala, commuters can look forward to using the Kaloor–Kakkanad Pink Line by June 2026. Now, which part of the city will be covered by this new line? According to DNA India, the Pink Line of Kochi Metro will connect Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium in Kaloor to Kakkanad, one of the city’s busiest and most important areas. Covering a total distance of 11.2 kilometres, this metro extension is estimated to cost ₹1,957 crore. The project is being developed by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and is seen as a key step toward improving regional connectivity and boosting economic activity in the region.
In the first phase, the metro services will operate through five major stations — Palarivattom Junction, Alinchuvadu, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, and Padamugal. The remaining stations, including Civil Station Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittattukara, KINFRA, and Infopark, will become operational by the end of 2026, once construction is complete. This phased rollout will ensure smoother operations and allow commuters to benefit from partial connectivity while work continues.
Progress In Construction Work
Construction work on the new metro line is progressing steadily. Out of the 2,019 piles required, about 1,145 have already been completed. Similarly, 265 of 368 pillars and 165 of 469 pile caps are finished, showing that the project is well on track for its target completion, reported DNA India.
Once operational, the new line is expected to significantly increase the metro’s ridership. At present, nearly 30 lakh passengers use the metro each month. With the launch of the Pink Line, this number is projected to rise to around 50 lakh. The corridor will also reduce travel time between central and suburban Kochi and help cut down road congestion, especially in the city’s IT and business hubs.
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