Trials Begin on Kochi Metro’s Phase 1A to SN Junction

Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) on late Sunday night launched train trial runs (testing) on Phase 1A project’s 1.78 km section between Petta – Vadakkekotta – S.N. Junction.

KMRL’s team operated an Alstom train, nickamed Vaigai, at 5 kmph with the primary goal to check for Schedule of Dimensions (SOD) clearances and observe the train’s interaction with the civil structure to ensure there are no physical obstructions along the way.

Route map of Kochi Metro’s Petta – S.N. Junction extension – view Kochi Metro route map and information

This section was constructed by KEC-CCECC JV through a Rs. 299.87 crore contract awarded in October 2019 for Package KAC-2. Besides constructing the viaduct and 2 stations at Vadakkekotta & S.N. Junction, a new 2 lane bridge across Panamkutty River was also part of their scope.

Photo via Amit Kumar Singh
Photo via Alyul Khan

Kochi Metro’s 3.94 km Phase 1 extension, comprising of Phase 1A & Phase 1B, is being directly executed by KMRL after the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) completed the 25 km Phase 1 (Aluva – Petta) and left the city in 2020.

SN Junction Station – Photo via Maxroof

When Petta – S.N. Junction section becomes operational in the second half of 2022, Kochi Metro’s Aqua Line will become 26.78 km long with 24 elevated stations.

A further 1.163 km extension to Thrippunithura (Phase 1B) is under construction by KEC – VNC JV through a Rs. 162.98 crore contract (Package KAC-4) awarded in July 2020. I expect that section to become operational in Q4 2023.

For more updates, check out the Kochi section or my Home Page! Sign up for free instant email notifications on new posts over here. Like this post? See how you can get early-access to updates and support the site over here.

– TMRG

written by

Global traveler who prefers mass rapid transit

6 Responses to "Trials Begin on Kochi Metro’s Phase 1A to SN Junction"

  1. The Indian Railway Guy says:

    Clearly among the most aesthetically pleasing metro designs in India. I think Kanpur with its orange theme still takes the cake, but good job KMRL.

    Reply
    • TMRG says:

      Agreed! Love Kochi’s elephant tusk-inspired headlights. Mumbai L3’s is a disappointment, but I’d take it over for no metro.

      Reply
  2. YM says:

    Dear TMRG, do you have any recent info on the progress DMRC has made on the 2 elevated sections of Delhi Metro phase-4? Going by the UPMRC speed as benchmark, the 2 sections of about 30 kms in East & West Delhi should be ready by the mid of next year.

    Reply
    • TMRG says:

      Hi, I haven’t seen any recent progress reports. Delhi and UP’s conditions and motivations are different, so can’t expect same speed to be replicated.

      I don’t either opening up before 2nd half of 2024.

      Reply
  3. Hari Puttar says:

    Hello TMRG
    Tender for tracks of Indore and Bhopal metro has been launched .
    After you see the tender documents
    Can please answer why different grades of track for Indore and Bhopal .

    Reply

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