
General Information about Kochi Metro:
Innovations done in KMRL

Technological Innovation Kochi Metro has brought in a paradigm shift in the way people travel in the city of Kochi. It has brought high end / advanced technology to the city of Kochi. The rolling stock with state-of-the-art passenger amenities are manufactured in Sri City with 70 per cent indigenisation, a major ‘Make in India’ initiative.
As a Green initiative of KMRL, the Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) has evaluated in detail, the green features of all the stations of KMRL and has awarded the highest certification level of Platinum rating.

Kochi Metro received Platinum rating by IGBC
The Kochi Metro Rail is the first in the country to use the communication-based train control system (CBTC) based signalling. The state-of-the-art technology paves the way for driverless trains in the future.

Inauguration of Rain water Harvesting at Companypadi Metro station
Financial innovation (Public Private Partnership)
KMRL entered into a contract with a FI led consortium led by M/s. Axis Bank for open loop contactless Smart card based Automatic Fare collection system. KMRL has not incurred any cost for the AFC system and is collecting a Royalty amount for the exclusive right given for Kochi One Card.
Use of Solar Power
KMRL in its commitment towards sustainable development has gone for optimal usage of the available solar potential in the region for its energy needs. In the initial stage, solar panels were installed on station rooftops and maintenance building rooftops amounting to 2670 KWp and a ground mounted solar plant in Muttom depot with capacity of 2719 KWp. KMRL also drew out a unique scheme to provide solar panels over the depot tracks on steel support structures and set up a plant of capacity 1.8 MWp.

Roof mounted Solar panel at metro station.
Presently, altogether KMRL has an installed capacity of 10.5 MWp solar plants. KMRL is meeting approx. 56% of its electrical energy requirement through solar plants. At present, KMRL is contributing towards a reduction in CO2 emission annually by about 2,89,230 tonnes, which is equivalent to planting 4,57,170 teak trees over the life time of the project.
Also Read | Kochi Metro Exemplifying Sustainable Mobility
Multimodal Integration:
Non motorised Transport: KMRL has facilitated public bike sharing and pedestrianisation of station influence zone along the metro alignment. KMRL has taken up (a) revamping/extending of footpaths and drains, (b) provided covered walkways, (c) created drop off points, designated bus bays, parking areas, pedestrian crossings with pelican lights and (d) improved existing junctions including Edappally Junction, one of the busiest junctions in Kerala.
Feeder bus service: KMRL has facilitated the running of air-conditioned electric buses connecting the metro network to major commuter originating points viz Airport, Aluva, North Paravoor etc.
Auto service has been facilitated at all the major stations for first and last mile connectivity. Bicycles Docking Stand has been provided at the Metro Stations and passengers are allowed to carry their bicycles inside the metro as well.
Environmental initiatives
As part of the Green Initiative drive to compensate the trees cut down during metro works KMRL has adopted a strategy to plant 10 trees for every tree that felled. KMRL has planted 1750 trees during the period 2018-20. In addition to this, KMRL has also planted 27235 shrubs at various metro stations and medians during this period.
KMRL has installed locally moulded oven dried clay/Terracotta pots in stations and depots for biodegradable waste management. Compost produced in these units are utilised for gardening activities in KMRL premises. KMRL has also installed plastic bottle crushing machines at important stations.

Inauguration of Feeder bus services “Pavandoot’ between CIAL Airport & Aluva metro station
Kochi Metro Rail Limited has taken steps to reduce its water footprint by preventing misuse or overuse of water at Metro facilities and by reducing dependency on the public water distribution system. A detailed water audit at metro stations and yards is done on a continuous basis to contain any misuse/ overuse. On the other hand, the rain water falling on station roof-tops, depot and viaducts is harvested for KMRL’s internal use. Any excess rain fall collected is used to recharge the groundwater through open wells and bore wells in the station
Views expressed by: D.K. Sinha, Director (Systems), Kochi Metro Rail Ltd.
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