Kochi in Kerala to become first Indian city with light tram transport system
Kochi is all set to become the first Indian city to get a light tram. The
Kochi Metro Rail Limited
(KMRL) plans to approve the launch of the new transport mode as a complement to the existing metro network. The project will improve connectivity and reduce traffic congestion, marking a major shift toward cost-effective and sustainable urban mobility.
As per KMRL, the proposed light tram will serve areas not currently covered by the Kochi Metro, helping bridge critical connectivity gaps within the city. Officials say the system will provide a reliable alternative to overcrowded buses and rising private vehicle use, while contributing to efforts to decongest the city's core.
Research underway
Following the board's approval, KMRL is preparing to launch a detailed feasibility study to evaluate technical requirements, projected passenger demand, infrastructure needs, and financial viability.
The study's findings will form the basis for seeking approval and funding from the Kerala state government, which is expected to play a key role in supporting the initiative.
Initial plans propose a 6.2-kilometre pilot route connecting MG Road to Thevara, passing through the Shanmugham Road corridor and the High Court area—a high-traffic stretch known for its commercial importance and commuter density. Officials say this corridor was chosen due to its strategic significance and potential to attract high ridership.
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Affordable alternative
A primary driver behind the light tram proposal is its lower cost compared to conventional metro systems. While metro construction costs in India average around ₹300 crore per kilometre, light tram infrastructure is estimated at just ₹75 crore per kilometre—about one-fourth the cost.
Officials believe local manufacturing of trams could further reduce costs. Given Kerala's current budgetary constraints, the light tram option offers an economically viable way to expand the city's public transport network without overburdening public finances.
KMRL has enlisted the expertise of HESS Green Mobility, a Switzerland-based company with global experience in operating tram systems, including in Brisbane, Australia. The firm has completed an initial study identifying several viable corridors for Kochi, including a loop linking MG Road, Marine Drive, and Thevara—areas considered vital to the city's economy and daily traffic flow.
Their findings have been submitted to the KMRL board and will be used to guide planning and design during the feasibility phase.
Modern, Flexible System Design
The trams are expected to be 25 meters long, made up of three coaches, and capable of carrying up to 240 passengers. The vehicles will use electric-hybrid technology, offering a range of up to 45 km on a six-minute charge. Their low-floor design will ensure easy boarding for all passengers, including those with mobility challenges.
The trams are also designed to run on existing roads, elevated structures, or even underground, allowing flexibility based on the city's urban layout. If successful, Kochi's light tram initiative could become a model for other Indian cities seeking affordable, scalable, and green public transport solutions.
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