Kochi Metro Pink Line Gets ₹1,016 Crore AIIB Loan as August 2027 Deadline Nears

Kochi Metro’s proposed Pink Line to Kakkanad is moving ahead, with the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) expressing satisfaction with construction progress and indicating its willingness to extend further cooperation. The international lender has sanctioned a loan of ₹1,016.24 crore for the project, which is expected to improve connectivity to one of Kochi’s key employment and development corridors.

The 11.20-km corridor will connect Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium with SmartCity via Kakkanad. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is targeting August 2027 for commissioning, although several construction and systems-related works remain underway.

Around 6.5 km of the elevated viaduct has been completed so far. Work is progressing on tracks, signalling, telecommunications, lifts and escalators. These components are essential for preparing the corridor for passenger operations once the civil construction reaches the required stage.

Land acquisition for road development, along with the renovation of drains and footpaths, has been completed. Acquisition for metro stations and other project components is in its final stages, according to the project update.

Project cost rises amid delays

The project has experienced a lengthy approval process. KMRL submitted the Detailed Project Report in January 2019, but formal approval came only in November 2022. Permission to avail the project loan followed in June 2023.

The initial estimated project cost was ₹1,957.05 crore. However, increases in the base cost and taxes during the intervening period have pushed up the overall expenditure.

KMRL has applied to the Kerala government for revised administrative sanction to cover the updated project cost. The approval will be important for addressing the revised financial requirements as construction continues.

AIIB reviews progress

A high-level AIIB team recently visited the project site to assess its physical and financial progress. The lender’s positive assessment and willingness to continue cooperating provide an important development for a project that has faced a prolonged journey from planning to execution.

The Pink Line is intended to strengthen metro connectivity towards Kakkanad, where major employment centres and technology campuses have expanded the need for reliable transport. Once operational, the corridor is expected to make daily commuting easier for residents and workers travelling along this route.

With August 2027 set as the commissioning target, progress on civil works, station development, systems installation and the revised cost approval will remain key milestones for KMRL in the coming months.