Cochin International Airport (CIAL) and Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) are set to collaborate on the construction of an underground metro rail line and station at Nedumbassery. KMRL plans to develop a 3 km underground metro line as part of its proposed Phase-III project, which aims to connect Aluva with Angamaly and includes an underground station linked to the airport. The design of the station will be similar to the Delhi Metro’s Airport Express Line and the Orange Line connecting New Delhi to Yashobhoomi Dwarka Sector-25, which serves Indira Gandhi International Airport.
Due to the high costs associated with building underground rail infrastructure, KMRL has sought CIAL’s partnership in the project. Ongoing discussions between KMRL officials and CIAL stakeholders have shown promising progress. The proposed Phase-III project will extend the metro line from Aluva along National Highway-544, reaching Aleena Valavu near Akaparambu, then proceeding along the Kariyad-Airport-Mattoor road to Nedumbassery International Airport. The line will continue along the Angamaly-Airport road to MC Road, extending towards Angamaly.
The total construction cost for the Phase-III line is estimated at around Rs 80 billion, with CIAL expected to contribute approximately Rs 10 billion for the underground structures. The state government will act as the implementing agency for the project. KMRL has submitted the proposal for the Phase-III extension to the Union Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs (MOHUA), with final approval anticipated soon.
