Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) commenced the installation of girders on Friday along the Infopark Expressway, where a substantial 170-tonne U-shaped girder was meticulously placed between two essential pillars utilizing a heavy-duty crane.
This structure, manufactured at KMRL’s specialized casting yard in Kalamassery, highlights the project’s growing momentum following months of consistent groundwork and piling activities. Officials indicated that the placement of girders will persist across various spans along the alignment in the upcoming weeks.
Construction efforts have already made significant progress. Approximately 65 pillars have been completed around the proposed metro stations at SEZ, Alinchuvadu, and Vazhakkala, with pier caps installed on 18 of these pillars. In total, 1,135 piles have been finished, comprising 875 for the viaduct and 260 for the station structures.
Concurrently, KMRL’s fabrication yard has produced over 100 U-girders, 72 I-girders, and 100 pier caps, with additional components being prepared to adhere to construction timelines. As per project engineers, the ₹1,957 crore Pink Line project is anticipated to be finalized within 20 months.
The tendering process for track work is already in progress, with advancements closely following the planned schedules. The corridor, which stretches 11 km from JLN Stadium to Infopark, is intended to alleviate congestion on Kochi’s main routes, offering seamless access for thousands of professionals commuting daily to the city’s IT hub.
The Palarivattom–Kakkanad extension is a crucial component of Kochi’s vision for a connected, low-emission transport network. Officials emphasize that the metro’s expansion aligns with Kerala’s broader objective of sustainable urban mobility, reducing reliance on private vehicles and decreasing carbon emissions through efficient mass transit.
Once operational, the corridor is projected to significantly alleviate road traffic, enhance air quality, and stimulate real estate and business activities in the Kakkanad area.
Urban transport specialists highlight that, in addition to infrastructure, the initiative represents the city’s shift towards fair and environmentally sustainable development. The emphasis on high-capacity public transportation will also decrease travel times, reduce transportation expenses, and improve access to job opportunities throughout the area. While there are still construction challenges, such as logistics in densely populated urban areas and ensuring minimal traffic disruption, officials remain optimistic that the Pink Line will achieve its completion goals.
As the metro extends further into Kochi’s suburban and commercial core, it continues to transform the city’s development path towards a more interconnected and sustainable future.
