Kochi Metro

Kochi Metro is the rapid transit system for Kochi, Kerala, operated by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Phase 1 — a 25.6 km fully elevated single-line corridor from Aluva to SN Junction (formerly Petta) — opened in revenue services on 19 June 2017. The system was implemented with strong knowledge transfer support from Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), using DMRC's standardised metro design + procurement templates.

L&T was the lead civil contractor, with Alstom supplying rolling stock and signalling systems. Total Phase 1 cost: ₹5,181 crore. JICA contributed 60% of the cost through soft loans.

Kochi Metro is notable for several firsts in Indian transit: - The first Indian metro with predominantly women-led operations — 80%+ of station attendants and ticket counter staff are women, including transgender employees (a deliberate inclusivity policy by KMRL). - Integrated 'Water Metro' feeder service: 78 boats operating across Kochi's backwater islands, providing seamless ticket-integrated transit between metro stations and outer islands. India's first integrated water-metro system. - First Indian metro powered substantially by renewable energy: KMRL has rooftop solar at all stations and depot (8 MW total), supplying ~30% of total energy consumption.

The 22-station Phase 1 covers Kochi's main north-south artery. Daily ridership averages 60,000 (as of 2024). Phase 2 (Kakkanad-JLN Stadium, 11 km) is under construction.