Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has released a draft of the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP), recommending a new metro line connecting Kalamassery and Tripunithura. This new metro line aims to decongest the main areas of the city. The CMP also includes the development of street-parking spaces and off-street parking spaces.
Kochi Metro’s draft CMP introduces a multi-nodal and transit-oriented development concept. The new metro line connecting Kalamassery and Tripunithura is a key component to alleviate city congestion. Proposed by the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs, the CMP offers a long-term vision for the city’s mobility patterns.
KMRL, designated as the Urban Mass Transit Company (UMTC) by the Union government, has prepared this comprehensive transport and infrastructure development plan for Kochi’s future, according to a TOI report.
The CMP suggests developing an additional 97 km of Mass Rapid Transit Systems (MRTS) alongside the current 28.12 km MRTS network. It recommends rail-based MRTS for the Kalamassery-Tripunithura stretch via Kakkanad, Aluva, and Angamaly, and bus-based MRTS for the Paravoor-Aroor and High Court-Munambam stretches. Although the CMP’s inputs are based on a preliminary assessment, a detailed study is required to determine the most suitable system for implementation.
Aluva, Angamaly, Tripunithura, Kakkanad, North Paravoor, Vallarpadam, Kalamassery, and other areas are emerging as growth centers in the Kochi municipal corporation area. The CMP emphasizes the importance of a multi-nodal development structure to distribute transport demand efficiently and equitably throughout the city.
The report highlights that 77 percent of Kochi’s road network consists of two lanes and recommends upgrading the lane capacity of 72 roads. It also suggests improvements at 10 crossings, including five railway crossings and five bridges. Additionally, the development of street-parking spaces in 10 locations and off-street parking spaces in eight areas is recommended.
