KOCHI: Set to extend its service from Aluva to the city centre by September, the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will start a trial run on Friday along the second stretch of the metro route from Palarivattom to Maharaja’s College Stadium.
The second phase covers five stations starting from Palarivattom’s Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, and going through Kaloor Junction, Lisie and MG Road to Maharaja’s College Stadium. The structural works on all stations from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Maharaja’s Stadium have been completed and comes just one month since the launch of KMRL’s commercial operations running from Aluva to Palarivattom, covering 11 stations.
While the second phase is moving quickly, the extension of service to Pettah, Tripunithura, is likely to be a time-consuming affair owing to issues related to land acquisition and restructuring of the Champakkara bridge.
The KMRL hopes to complete construction up to Pettah in 18 to 20 months. Though the KMRL carried out construction work up to Kunnara Park, progress has been hindered by non-availability of land.
Though the Metro first phase started commercial operations on June 17, the lack of connection to the city was pointed out to be a drawback with the service terminating at Palarivattom.
KMRL has timed the extension of service to the MG Road shopping hub keeping in mind the upcoming Onam season and the possible rush in the wake of FIFA U-17 matches.