Latest news with #KochiMetroRailLimited
The Hindu
22-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Kochi metro seeks help of BPCL, agri-horticulture society for greening medians
Faced with stiff opposition from socio-environmental and political activists to the proposal of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to cover medians beneath the Edappally-Thripunithura Pettah metro corridor with concrete paver blocks, the metro agency has sent a letter to Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd. (BPCL), seeking the oil major's help to develop green lungs along the 524 medians on the stretch. KMRL has also turned to the Ernakulam District Agri-Horticulture Society, seeking its expertise to plant the apt variety of plants atop the medians, which had over the past eight years become a dumping ground for waste and construction debris, it is learnt. In addition, the overgrowth of weeds had turned them into eyesores located at the centre of arterial roads. Making matters worse, the metro agency failed to live up to its assurance of readying a vertical garden every few metro pillars, sources said. KMRL sources said the agency was negotiating with BPCL on the oil major taking over the upkeep of the medians by planting saplings. 'On its part, the horticulture society has offered its help for the initiative, after Ernakulam MLA T.J. Vinod protested against the move to cover the medians with paver blocks,' they added. The metro agency had floated a tender earlier this year for the paver-block initiative, citing slack cooperation from a majority of shops and other commercial establishments that had initially agreed to sponsor the greening of the medians. 'Although a firm responded to the tender, we are awaiting the BPCL's reply to our letter on the greening project,' the sources added. In the meantime, BPCL sources said that, having received KMRL's recent letter, the agency was in the initial stage of deliberations with the metro agency on the initiative. The management would have to look at different aspects of the project, they added. In his letter to KMRL, Mr. Vinod had termed the metro agency's paver-block proposal as a blatant violation of its assurance to plant saplings atop the medians. The paver block project would only benefit mega advertisement agencies. Even before the metro's commissioning in 2017, KMRL had agreed in its contract with the Centre and the French lending agency to carry out a greening drive on the medians, and there is no justification for abandoning it. He added that the metro agency had overlooked the wide availability of an array of indigenous plants that needed little maintenance and watering, which the horticulture society had recommended. They would also lessen the metro's carbon footprint and the toll taken due to tens of hundreds of trees being cut down for the metro.
Time of India
19-05-2025
- Business
- Time of India
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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cost Of Amusement Park Equipment From Mexico Might Surprise You - See Tips Amusement Park Equipment | search ads Click Here Undo 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. One step to a healthier you—join Times Health+ Yoga and feel the change
The Hindu
15-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Mayor contests Behra's claim on launching boat services through rejuvenated canals in Kochi
Mayor M. Anilkumar said that Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) managing director Lokanath Behera's claim that boat services will be launched along six canals in the city, which are to be rejuvenated under the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)-funded Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project, was impractical and made unilaterally without consulting stakeholders. Mr. Anilkumar urged Mr. Behera to communicate more with the people's representatives instead of making unilateral statements, which was not befitting of a democracy. KMRL is the special purpose vehicle for the IURWTS project, under which Edappally Canal, Perandoor Canal, Chilavannoor Canal, Thevara Canal, Market Canal, and Konthuruthy Canal will be rejuvenated. 'Boat services were not discussed at any point during the canal rejuvenation project. The service may be possible through Edappally Canal and Chilavannoor Canal, considering their relatively greater width. The Thevara-Perandoor Canal was wide enough until the Pottakkuzhi stretch, facilitating a potential boat service linking Chittoor River to Pottakkuzhi. At best, pedal boats may be possible in the other canals,' he said. Mr. Behera, on his part, clarified that he had meant only Edappally Canal in the context of boat service, as it was not possible in other canals owing to the lack of vertical clearance caused by railway overbridges. 'The priority now is the completion of the bridge along Bund Road, while we remain hopeful of receiving approval for the rejuvenation of Market Canal. We may also undertake dredging of Edappally Canal to restore at least the water flow, subject to sanction from the KIIFB. We are also trying to fast-track land acquisition in consultation with the government and the district administration,' he said. Mr. Anilkumar said that a minimum width would be ensured for all canals, which would be flanked by walkways with seating arrangements to ensure access for future cleaning. Sewage lines and dedicated sewage treatment plants would be installed along the sides of the canals. He called for speedy decision-making to avoid inordinate delays that lead to cost escalations. The cost has already risen from ₹2,000 crore to over ₹3,000 crore. 'I am confident that the project will be launched this year and completed within the next two to three years. Just as solid waste management changed during this council's term, the canals will witness a similar transformation during the next council,' he said.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KMRL plans to introduce boat services in Edappally, Chilavannoor canals
With the State government recently granting administrative approval for the ₹3,716-crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project — aimed at widening, dredging, and making six canals in Kochi navigable — Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which will implement the project, has announced plans to introduce boat services in Edappally and Chilavannoor canals. Boat services have been planned at 30-minute intervals along a newly navigable 11.5-km stretch from Muttar to Chitrapuzha via the Edappally canal. A fleet of 10 new boats, each with a vertical clearance of 3.5 metres, will be introduced for the purpose, according to the metro agency. Metro-Water Metro connectivity 'In addition, Water Metro ferries operating on the Vyttila–Thevara route will use the revitalised Chilavannoor canal to provide access to Elamkulam metro station, enhancing integration between multiple modes of transport. Aimed at promoting tourism and recreation, a Marine Drive-model waterfront is being planned along the canal featuring landscaped walkways and water sports facilities. The area is expected to become a new recreational hub, promoting wellness among the public,' said Loknath Behera, managing director, KMRL. 'The IURWTS will rejuvenate canals with water transport, walkways, and water sports activities, ease monsoon flooding, and help address persistent waste management issues in Kochi,' added Mr. Behera. Under the project, six major canals — Perandoor, Chilavannoor, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market canal — will be deepened, widened, and beautified. The rejuvenated canals will have a minimum width of 16.5 metres, while walkways and green spaces will be developed along their banks, according to the agency. A new 90-metre-long bridge on Bund Road and the reconstruction of a bridge on Subash Chandra Bose Road near the Chilavannoor canal will streamline water flow and help reduce flooding during the monsoon, said metro sources. 'Alongside this, four sewage treatment plants have been mulled at Elamkulam, Vennala, Perandoor, and Muttar. The ₹1,325-crore project is being executed by KMRL in collaboration with the Kerala Water Authority. This integrated approach will enhance mobility, reduce flooding, and help reinvent Kochi's identity as a water-centric urban haven, they added.
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi Metro to transform canals with new boats, tourism initiatives
KOCHI: In a groundbreaking move that integrates urban regeneration, transportation and tourism, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) plans to transform the city's canals into vibrant corridors of connectivity and recreation. With the state government's administrative approval for the Rs 3,716.10-crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS), Kochi is poised for a historic leap in urban development. 'I'm delighted that the state government has approved this transformative initiative. The project will not only alleviate monsoon flooding and address the persistent waste management issues in Kochi but also rejuvenate our historic canals with water transport, walkways, and water sports facilities,' said Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL. The initiative involves the deepening, widening, and beautification of six major canals — Perandoor, Chilavannur, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market Canal. All canals will be upgraded to a minimum width of 16.5 metre. Aesthetic walkways and green spaces will be developed on both banks, turning these stretches into scenic urban assets.
