KOCHI (Metro Rail News): Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has submitted the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for Phase 3 to the Kerala State Government. The proposed 17.5-km corridor will connect Aluva to Angamaly via Kariyad along NH44 and Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, providing direct airport connectivity.
Following the State government’s approval, the project will be submitted to the Union Ministry of Urban Affairs for final approval. DPR preparation began in February 2026, by Haryana-based Systra MVA Consulting India Private Ltd.
Following the submission, KMRL Managing Director Shri Loknath Behera stepped down from the post. Ernakulam District Collector Smt G. Priyanka is currently holding the additional charge of KMRL Managing Director on a temporary basis. During the farewell announcement Shri Behra also mentioned the submission of the DPR for Thiruvananthapuram Metro.
Kochi Metro Phase 3 to establish multi-modal connectivity with road, rail and air
The weekly brief metro & rail professionals read.
The major highlight of the Kochi Metro Phase 3 is the Airport connectivity. According to the DPR, it will feature a 3km underground section toward the Cochin International Airport,Nedumbassery.
Phase 3 will also be strategically connected to the Airport Railway Station. The DPR also suggests setting up a metro station near the Airport Railway station, and will run along NH44 from Aluva to Kariyad as an elevated viaduct. The Metro will hopefully reduce road traffic in the Angamaly region.
There was a huge demand for Metro connectivity towards the Angamaly Railway Station. Higher Education Minister Shri Roji M. John said ‘‘The demand for linking Angamaly railway has not been included in the DPR as there are many hurdles found during the feasibility study. The railway station connectivity will necessitate reverting the Metro line from the airport back to NH 544. The study found that the same will increase land acquisition cost, especially near the airport,” Times of India, reported.
The Proposed Metro Stations
- Thottakkattukara
- Kunnumpuram
- Parambayam
- Nedumbassery
- Athani
- Kariyad
- Airport Railway Station
- Airport
- Nayathode
- Kavarapparambu
- Areekkal Junction
- LF Hospital
- Angamaly Town
- Kothakulangara
- Karayamparambu
Kochi Metro Phase 1 spans 28.1 km from Aluva to Thrippunithura, with 25 operational stations. Phase 2, connecting Kaloor to Infopark, is expected to be completed within a year. Kochi Metro has completed four years of successful operations, with an operational profit of ₹53 crore in 2025–26 and ridership reaching 1.25 lakh passengers.
Also read :Locals demand Kochi Metro Link for Angamaly Railway station: Action council files petition