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Time of India
3 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Metro project remains stalled as follow-up meeting not held
T'puram: Two months after a high-level meeting chaired by CM Pinarayi Vijayan decided to form an expert committee to finalise the alignment of the proposed Thiruvananthapuram metro rail, state govt has shown little urgency in moving the project forward. The expert panel, which was supposed to study the technical and financial aspects of the project's alignment, has not even convened a follow-up meeting since the announcement, a delay that raised concerns about govt's commitment to the much-anticipated project. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director Loknath Behera told TOI that there has been no communication from state govt since the meeting. "We proposed seven alignments so far. Govt assured us that they would finalise one and inform us, but there has been no word since then," he said. The expert committee was expected to include secretaries from the revenue, finance, local self-govt and transport departments. Its mandate was to evaluate various alignment options proposed by KMRL and submit recommendations to govt to expedite the project. However, no formal govt order has yet been issued constituting the panel. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like This new air conditioner cools down a room in just seconds News of the Discovery Undo KMRL earlier submitted a comprehensive proposal outlining seven potential metro rail alignments, combining underground and elevated corridors. The key corridors under consideration are Kazhakkoottam to Pappanamcode, Kazhakkoottam to Killipalam and Palayam to Civil Station. While the proposed alignments were based on traffic density and urban connectivity, cost considerations became a significant hurdle. However, govt sources claimed that the delay was due to internal discussions regarding the alignment and cost structure. "Multiple routes are still under evaluation and no final decision has been made," an official source said. One of the major sticking points is the estimated cost of underground metro construction. While KMRL estimated the cost to be around Rs 550 crore per kilometre for underground sections, other experts argue that new technologies can reduce the cost to Rs 250 crore per kilometre. The lack of consensus on this issue has further slowed down progress. S N Reghuchandran Nair, president of Trivandrum Chamber of Commerce and Industry (TCCI), representing the well-wishers of the project, criticised state's apathy. "We have been consistently following up with govt. After the chief minister's meeting, there has been no action on the ground, not even a formal order to form the panel. People in Thiruvananthapuram are waiting eagerly for the metro, but there is complete inaction," he said. With the absence of coordination between state govt and KMRL, concerns are growing that the project, initially envisioned to ease the city's mounting traffic woes and boost urban mobility, will be indefinitely delayed. Meanwhile, when contacted, chief secretary A Jayathilak was unavailable for a comment despite repeated attempts. Urban planners and civic groups urged govt to act swiftly, warning that any further delay will push up costs and affect public confidence in state's infrastructure planning. Once the alignment is finalised, it will be handed to KMRL to revise the detailed project report (DPR) originally prepared by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). The DPR's executive summary was submitted to state govt in Feb 2024. Finance department approved the project earlier this year. Following CM's nod, the project will be sent to state cabinet for final clearance. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and silver prices in your area. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Raksha Bandhan wishes , messages and quotes !
Time of India
4 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
Kochi Metro records operating profit for third consecutive year
Kochi: With a steady increase in Metro ridership, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) recorded a major increase in its operating profit for 2024-25 financial year, marking the third consecutive year of achieving an operating surplus. According to KMRL data, Kochi Metro registered an operating profit of Rs 33.34 crore, which is a rise of Rs 10.4 crore over the previous year. Metro generated an operating income of Rs 182.37 crore in 2024-25 financial year. Of this, Rs 111.88 crore was generated as ticket revenue, while Rs 55.41 crore was non-ticket revenue. In addition, KMRL earned Rs 1.56 crore from consultancy services and Rs 13.52 crore from other miscellaneous sources. Operating expenses for the year stood at Rs 149.03 crore. As Metro recorded an operating loss of Rs 24.19 crore in 2017-18, the year Kochi Metro commenced services, increase in operating profit is considered a major achievement. It was in 2022-23 that KMRL first recorded an operating profit, registering a surplus of Rs 5.35 crore. KMRL says operating profit is calculated after excluding certain categories of capital and financing costs such as interest, depreciation and expenses related to non-motorized transport (NMT) infrastructure, including pavement constructions. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like These Are The Most Beautiful Women In The World Undo "This consistent financial progress reflects resilience and efficiency of Kochi Metro. We have not only improved operational performance but also enhanced passenger experience and diversified our revenue streams. Our goal is to build a financially sustainable, commuter-friendly Metro system that Kochi can be proud of," said KMRL MD Loknath Behera. It is observed that a steady increase in ridership after Covid-19 pandemic period helped Kochi Metro increase operational revenue. When Metro services began in June 2017, average daily ridership was 59,894. However, it decreased to 32,603 within two months. Though daily ridership figure did not cross 40,000 in 2018, it crossed 60,000 between Oct and Dec 2019. During Covid period, Metro registered a sharp decline in ridership to below 6,000. Later, ridership slowly picked up during post-Covid period. Between Sept and Nov 2022, average number of passengers crossed 75,000, and it crossed 80,000 in Jan 2023. After that, there was a steady increase in daily ridership to around one lakh. Stay updated with the latest local news from your city on Times of India (TOI). Check upcoming bank holidays , public holidays , and current gold rates and s ilver prices in your area.
News18
6 days ago
- Business
- News18
Why Wait In Line? Kochi Metro Goes Full Digital With UPI At Ticket Machines
Last Updated: With the new feature, passengers can now buy metro tickets quickly by scanning a QR code using any UPI-enabled mobile app. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has now introduced UPI-based ticket payments at Ticket Vending Machines (TVMs) across all metro stations. The feature was officially launched by Transport Commissioner Nagaraju C at JLN Stadium Station. Why UPI at TVMs? The aim is to make ticketing smoother, faster, and more convenient for daily commuters. Instead of carrying cash or waiting in line, passengers can now simply scan a QR code and pay using any UPI-enabled mobile app. This new method reduces waiting times, helps avoid crowding at ticket counters, and provides a safe, contactless payment experience—especially useful during peak hours. What Did the Officials Say? Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL, shared that only a few metro systems in India have such a feature, and Kochi Metro is proud to be one of them. 'Our goal is to move towards a fully digital ticketing system," he said, highlighting the series of digital initiatives taken by the metro over the past few years, as per Onmanorama. KMRL has already rolled out several digital ticketing methods like the Kochi1 app, WhatsApp and Google Wallet-based ticketing. It has also joined hands with the Open Network for Digital Commerce (ONDC), making tickets available via apps such as Google Maps, Paytm, PhonePe, RedBus, Rapido, and more. What's Next? KMRL has improved QR code scanning speed at entry gates, making the entire metro journey smoother. With these upgrades, more commuters are choosing digital tickets, bringing Kochi closer to a fully cashless and convenient metro experience. view comments First Published: Disclaimer: Comments reflect users' views, not News18's. Please keep discussions respectful and constructive. Abusive, defamatory, or illegal comments will be removed. News18 may disable any comment at its discretion. By posting, you agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy.
New Indian Express
7 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi Metro's Pink Line 100 days behind schedule
KOCHI: The much-awaited Kochi Metro second phase project – involving an 11.2-km elevated line from JLN Stadium to Infopark via Kakkanad – has suffered a delay of nearly 100 days. At the same time, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is confident of opening the first five stations on the new line for operations by June 30 next year. 'We're currently behind almost 100 days and have already told them (Afcons Infrastructure, which is implementing the civil construction work) to expedite work with more manpower and better planning,' KMRL managing director Loknath Behera told reporters on the sidelines of the launch of UPI-based ticket vending machines (TVMs). He said the other five stations are slated to be opened by December 31, 2026. 'Unexpected issues like utility shifting and pipeline work delayed the construction. We'll try our best to meet the target date,' he said. The delay in getting the loan (nearly Rs 914 crore) from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is another reason. Despite the KMRL board approving the loan proposal, the state government has yet to give its nod.
Time of India
7 days ago
- Business
- Time of India
5 stations on Kochi Metro Phase II line to be ready by June next year
Kochi: First five stations on the upcoming Phase II line of Kochi Metro will be ready by June 30 next year. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director Loknath Behera said works on Phase II Pink Line connecting JLN Stadium with Kakkanad would be completed in two phases. 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. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Beyond Text Generation: An AI Tool That Helps You Write Better Grammarly Install Now Undo 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.
