5 stations on Kochi Metro Phase II line to be ready by June next year
Works on first five stations would be completed in the first phase and other five stations would be ready by Dec 2026.
Behera said works on Phase II line are lagging by at least 100 days, mainly due to heavy rain and delay in shifting pipelines on the route. "We are confident that the contractor will complete the works as per target," he said, while addressing the media on Monday.
Foundation stone for Phase II construction was laid in Sept 2022, and there are complaints that works are delayed mainly due to delay in approval by state govt for availing loan for Metro project.
Earlier, KMRL announced that Phase II works would be completed by June 2026. Phase II line with 10 new stations is 11.2km. Stations are being built at Palarivattom Junction, Alinchuvadu, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, Kinfra and Infopark.
Behera also said that KMRL is taking many steps to avoid traffic congestion on Palarivattom–Kakkanad route during Metro construction works.
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KMRL launches UPI-based ticket vending system
To provide a faster, more user-friendly ticketing experience, KMRL introduced UPI-based payments at ticket vending machines (TVMs) across all Metro stations. Transport commissioner Nagaraju C inaugurated the new system at a function held at JLN Stadium Metro station on Monday.
With the integration of UPI at TVMs, Metro travellers can now purchase tickets instantly by scanning a QR code and making a payment using any UPI-enabled mobile application. The new system is expected to gradually eliminate physical cash or card transactions, reduce waiting time at counters and ensure a smooth, contactless and secure payment process. It is especially beneficial during peak hours, as it helps decongest ticket counters.
"Only a few Metro services in the country have integrated UPI with vending machines. Kochi Metro is proud to be one among them," said Behera.
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