RITES, under the Ministry of
Railways, is the only qualified bidder for preparing the detailed project
report (DPR) for Kochi Metro’s proposed Phase-III airport line.
The DPR will determine the corridor’s
length, alignment, stations, and feasibility as an independent line from Aluva
to Angamaly, rather than an extension of the existing Tripunithura-Aluva line.
The consultant will assess the use of different rolling stock and potential
future extension to Kochi GIFT City in the Kochi Bengaluru Industrial Corridor.
As
per KMRL’s preliminary plan, the 18 km metro line will have 15 stations,
running along NH-544, through Kariyad-Airport-Mattoor Road to Nedumbassery
International Airport, and onward to MC Road in Angamaly.
A three km underground section and station are
planned at the airport.