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12 Feb 2026
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has entered a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, to undertake collaborative research and pilot projects aimed at enhancing sustainable urban mobility and public transport systems. The partnership will combine Kochi Metro's operational experience in multimodal transport including Metro, Water Metro and canal-based services with IISc's advanced, data-driven research capabilities. Focus areas will include sustainable mobility planning, transport operations and the application of emerging technologies such as artificial intelligence, internet of things, blockchain, simulation modelling and intelligent decision-support systems to solve real-world urban challenges. Officials highlighted that the research will promote evidence-based transport solutions to improve public health, accessibility, congestion management, emissions reduction and climate resilience, with Kochi envisaged as a testbed for developing scalable urban mobility models.Read more
08 Feb 2026
Cochin Shipyard Limited has formalised contracts for two battery-electric green harbour tugs with Polestar Maritime after the tug operator secured a long-term charter from Jawaharlal Nehru Port Authority under the Green Tug Transition Programme. The vessels, which were earlier under construction without confirmed buyers, will now be built jointly by Cochin Shipyard and its subsidiary Udupi-CSL at Kochi. Designed for zero direct emissions during harbour operations, the tugs will support India's push toward cleaner port infrastructure.Read more
06 Feb 2026
Cochin International Airport Ltd (CIAL) is set to introduce India's first hydrogen-powered buses for passenger movement after entering into an agreement with the Kerala Hydrogen Valley Innovation Cluster Foundation under the National Green Hydrogen Mission. The project involves the deployment of three hydrogen fuel cell electric buses, with financial support capped at INR 2.90 crore per bus and a total project cost of INR 8.7 crore. The buses are expected to be delivered within a year and will be owned and operated by CIAL, supported by a green hydrogen supply facility being developed at the airport.Read more
05 Feb 2026
Cochin Shipyard Ltd has approved the acquisition of a 23% equity stake in Netherlands-based Conoship International Holding B.V. as part of its plan to strengthen its footprint in the European shipping market. The investment will support collaboration in ship design and engineering, especially for vessels using alternative fuels and serving coastal and inland transport segments. The board also cleared the formation of a joint venture with HBL Engineering to develop electric mobility and energy storage solutions for marine use, marking a broader push into future-ready maritime technologies.Read more
31 Jan 2026
Kochi Municipal Corporation is evaluating the future of the RoRo ferry service between Fort Kochi and Vypeen after sustained financial losses and operational issues. The civic body is considering ending its agreement with Kerala Shipping & Inland Navigation Corporation Ltd (KSINC) and exploring alternatives such as transferring operations to Kochi Water Metro or inviting new tenders. Audit findings revealed discrepancies in revenue and expenditure reporting, while high maintenance costs and vessel downtime added pressure. Safety concerns, infrastructure decay, and commuter challenges have also intensified the need for a sustainable solution.Read more
26 Jan 2026
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd's all electric Metro Connect feeder bus service has completed its first year, carrying around 14 lakh passengers. The service runs 15 electric buses across six major routes, connecting residential areas with Metro Rail and Water Metro stations, strengthening last mile connectivity. Supported by seven charging stations and a dedicated depot, the initiative has increased ridership and revenue by about 15%. Key routes like Aluva CIAL, Medical College, and Kadavanthra-Panampilly Nagar have seen strong usage, reflecting the growing demand for integrated and sustainable public transport in Kochi.Read more
19 Jan 2026
Cochin Shipyard Limited recently handed over MS Heinz, the first vessel in the HS EcoFreighter series, to German shipping company HS Schiffahrts UG and Co KG. Designed by Groot Ship Design, Netherlands, and built according to DNV standards, the 7,000 DWT ice-class vessel can transport project cargo, steel coils, containers, timber, paper, coal, grain, and dangerous goods. Featuring the Groot Cross-Bow design for fuel efficiency and a single adaptable cargo hold, the vessel's delivery underscores CSL's expanding capabilities in constructing technologically advanced merchant ships for international clients.Read more
13 Jan 2026
The Phase II extension of Kochi Metro's Pink Line from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Infopark is facing delays that may push it beyond the targeted June 30, 2026 date for partial operations. While piling work for the elevated corridor is nearly 80 per cent complete, key civil works such as viaducts and piers are progressing slowly. Delays in securing foreign funding have affected construction pace and financial planning. The Infopark stretch is crucial for improving access to Kochi's growing IT hubs and reducing road congestion. Authorities are working to speed up execution, but timely funding and coordination remain critical.Read more
12 Jan 2026
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd is facing mounting pressure to complete the first operational stretch of its Phase II Pink Line extension as construction progress slows due to delayed funding approvals. While piling work is largely complete, key civil works such as viaduct and pier construction remain behind schedule. A proposed INR 1,116 crore loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank is yet to receive state approval, affecting cash flow. The delay raises concerns over the planned partial opening by June, which is critical for improving connectivity to Infopark.Read more
10 Jan 2026
The Kochi Metro integrated transport network recorded its highest single-day ridership during the recent New Year period, with 1,61,683 passenger trips across metro rail services, electric feeder buses and the Water Metro. Metro trains carried the bulk of commuters, supported by extended late-night operations. Feeder buses and Water Metro services also saw strong usage following extended schedules. The day also marked the network's highest single-day revenue collection of INR 44.67 lakh, reflecting growing public reliance on Kochi's integrated urban transport system.Read more
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10 Dec 2025
A recent Kochi order has directed a residential flat-owners association to replace its uniform maintenance fee with a size-based system, requiring charges to be calculated in proportion to each unit's floor area. The ruling followed complaints that flat-rate billing was unfair in a building with differently sized apartments, as smaller-unit owners were effectively subsidising larger ones. The association must now revise its maintenance structure, present audited area data and communicate the updated charges transparently. The decision promotes equitable cost-sharing and may prompt other housing societies in Kochi to reassess their billing practices. It could also influence buyer preferences toward communities with fair, size-linked maintenance policies.Read more
26 Nov 2025
Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has started work on the detailed project report (DPR) for its Phase?III extension, linking Aluva to Angamaly through Kochi airport. The DPR, awarded to Systra MVA Consulting India at about INR?1.3?crore, is expected within six months. Preparatory work includes soil testing, topographic surveys, and temporary land marking. The 17.5 km corridor will feature both elevated and underground sections. Public feedback will be invited to align planning with community expectations. Earlier approvals and planning studies support technical and financial feasibility of the project.Read more
20 Nov 2025
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has approved the land-pooling process for Infopark Kochi's Phase III development in Kunnathunad taluk. The plan aims to bring together around 500 acres for an integrated IT and AI-focused township, marking one of Kerala's largest land-pooling exercises. GCDA will handle land identification and coordination with landowners, while Infopark will lead overall development. A land-pooling office has already started functioning, and early assessments indicate strong potential for investment and long-term technology-led growth in the region.Read more
03 Nov 2025
Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL) announced plans to raise around INR 6,000 crore over the next five to six years to support its capital-expenditure programme. The company said it will fund this through a mix of government-assisted schemes, multilateral loans from East-Asian agencies, issuance of blue bonds and internal accruals. CSL indicated it plans to use the enhanced Shipbuilding Financial Assistance policy (which offers 20-25 % incentives) and is already exploring a greenfield shipyard conceptualised at USD 2-3 billion. Defence contracts currently make up roughly two-thirds of its order book.Read more
30 Oct 2025
The Railway Board has given approval for a new railway station near Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, marking a key development in Kerala's transport infrastructure. The project aims to ease travel for passengers using the airport and improve last-mile rail connectivity. The plan, first proposed in 2010, had stalled for years but was revived after Union Minister George Kurian's meeting with Railway Minister Ashwini Vaishnaw. The new station will be located between Angamaly and Chowara and is expected to cost around INR 12 crore.Read more
25 Oct 2025
The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has launched the land pooling process for Infopark Phase III, covering around 500 acres in Kunnathunad, Kochi. The project aims to create an AI-integrated township with digital management of all basic services and a focus on deep-tech startups. Additionally, the state government approved the transfer of 33.5 acres from Traco Cable Company to Infopark for its Phase IV expansion at a valuation of INR 200 crore. The development is expected to boost IT infrastructure and employment in the region.Read more
24 Oct 2025
The Kochi Canal Rejuvenation Project, led by the Kochi Corporation with support from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) and ICLEI South Asia, is advancing steadily with international backing. Renovation has begun on the Pandarachira Canal, with the Detailed Project Report funded at INR 4 crore and additional grants expected to exceed INR 10 crore. Bechtel will support the next phase before upcoming elections. The project aims to restore all city canals over five years, integrating clean water, sewage systems, flood management, mosquito control, tourism promotion, and improved connectivity.Read more
21 Oct 2025
Cochin Shipyard Limited has secured its first-ever global container shipbuilding order from CMA CGM for six LNG-powered feeder vessels, valued at USD 300 million. Each ship will carry 1,700 TEUs, marking India's entry into high-value international shipbuilding. The order follows CMA CGM's earlier reflagging of vessels under India and comes amid the government's Shipbuilding Financial Assistance Policy 2.0. It enhances CSL's global credibility, positions India as a future shipbuilding hub, and strengthens domestic supplier networks for engines and ship components, supporting the nation's long-term maritime ambitions.Read more
13 Oct 2025
The Kochi Water Metro has emerged as a globally recognized model for urban water transport, connecting several islands in Kochi and easing city traffic. Since its launch in 2023, it has served nearly 5 million passengers, including daily commuters and tourists. The project recently expanded with two new terminals at Mattancherry and Willingdon Island, increasing the total network to 12 stations. Known for its eco-friendly design and integration with the natural environment, it has attracted interest from other Indian states and several countries seeking to replicate its success.Read more
08 Oct 2025
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is considering extending its Phase II pink line to Kizhakkambalam to connect Infopark's upcoming Phase III campus. The discussions have started as the campus is expected to employ around 200,000 people, with an additional 400,000 associated with the project, making metro connectivity critical. The extension would also enhance accessibility to Infopark's Phase II campus. Progress depends on the ongoing land pooling process in Kizhakkambalam, with further talks planned once land formalities are completed.Read more
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