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Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has invited tenders for constructing five new stations under Phase II along the JLN Stadium Kakkanad corridor at the Palarivattom bypass, Padamugal, Vazhakkala, Chembumukku, and Alinchuvadu. Earlier delayed due to the land acquisition issues and local protests, especially at Chembumukku and Padamugal, the project will now proceed using vacant government land. Construction, to be completed within a year of contract award, includes full station infrastructure. The tender mandates traffic diversion plans, road strengthening, safety measures, and signage. KMRL will coordinate with traffic police to maintain lane access during work, ensuring minimal disruption and enhanced public convenience.
Kochi Metro?s Phase II expansion is gaining momentum with Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) issuing tenders for the construction of five additional stations along the JLN Stadium?Kakkanad stretch. The stations will be located at Palarivattom Bypass, Padamugal, Vazhakkala, Chembumukku, and Alinchuvadu key areas expected to significantly enhance connectivity to the growing Kakkanad region. Advertisement
The construction of these five stations had faced setbacks due to prolonged land acquisition delays, halting progress while seven other stations under the same phase had already seen construction activity begin last year. The newly issued tender indicates that these issues have largely been resolved and work is now poised to move forward.
As per the tender conditions, once the contract is awarded?expected within a month?the construction must be completed within a year. The scope of work includes structural foundations, access points, staircases, canopies, slabs, columns, commercial space areas, and comprehensive finishing of each station facility.
Earlier delays had prompted interventions from public representatives. Member of Parliament Hibi Eden and MLA Uma Thomas had raised concerns with KMRL regarding the indefinite holdup due to bureaucratic inertia in land acquisition procedures. Resistance from local communities further compounded the delays. The most notable opposition came from residents and members of St. Michael?s Church, who protested the acquisition of 36 cents of land intended for the Chembumukku station.
In response, a Social Impact Assessment (SIA) study was undertaken to explore alternatives. The findings recommended minimizing displacement by utilizing vacant government land instead of private properties. This led to key changes in the station plans: the Chembumukku station will now occupy a reduced footprint, while Padamugal station is being relocated to an adjacent government-owned plot, ensuring community concerns are addressed while allowing construction to proceed.
The tender also includes comprehensive traffic management guidelines to mitigate congestion and ensure public safety throughout the construction period. Contractors are required to develop diversion plans in collaboration with traffic police, ensuring that at least one lane in each direction remains open at all times. These plans must include advance preparation of alternate routes, including widening and repairing affected roads.
Mandatory safety protocols during construction include the use of barricades equipped with blinkers, reflective tapes, and adequate lighting. Signage will be strategically placed, and traffic marshals will be stationed to guide commuters and maintain order around work zones.
With tendering now underway, Phase II of the Kochi Metro appears set to overcome earlier hurdles, advancing toward completion with renewed pace and enhanced community alignment.
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