Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has invited tenders to prepare a detailed project report (DPR) for the proposed phase 3 corridor of the Kochi Metro Rail Project from Aluva to Angamaly, connecting Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL). The consultant can assess the most efficient and economical system, which may be elevated/ underground or a combination of both, based on the assessment of the availability of land, minimum dislocation of public, heritage aspects and most importantly, the economic aspects, according to the document.

In addition to providing efficient mobility solutions, the objectives also include unlocking land values, optimum usage of land and identifying avenues for transit-oriented development (ToD). The consultant will seek the concurrence of the KMRL regarding phase 3 as a fully elevated or partially underground metro system (some stretches may need to go underground), the document says.

Technology selection for all the civil, track and system components, including the study of interfacing with existing systems to give system flexibility and independence to KMRL. feasibility of using Rolling stock different from those that are being used in the Phase-1 and Phase-2 corridor shall also be studied and submitted as a separate report. Metro Management systems using Artificial Intelligence (AI) / Machine Learning (ML) systems shall also be considered for increasing operational efficiencies. The consultant shall also study the possibility of having solar systems on top of the viaduct/on the viaduct, do a cost-benefit analysis and suggest the best method for achieving energy neutrality. A separate report on the installation of solar panels in all possible locations in phase 3 shall be studied and submitted as a separate report.

In December 2024, the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs gave in-principle approval for providing central financial assistance for the preparation of DPR for phase 3 of Kochi metro. The tentative cost of preparing DPR is Rs 1.17 crore at Rs 6.7 lakh per km.