Stakeholders seek extension of Kochi metro airport line to Angamaly

Stakeholders are advocating for the extension of Kochi Metro's airport line to Angamaly to alleviate the town's notorious traffic congestion. The stretch of NH 544, between Aluva and Angamaly, is plagued by frequent bottlenecks at various junctions, making it one of the most congested National Highways in Kerala.

Representatives from Angamaly have expressed their strong desire for the metro to extend further to the town's railway station, located adjacent to a private bus stand. Davis B.O., secretary of Angamaly-Kalady-Athani Bus Operators' Association, emphasized that this extension would facilitate seamless connectivity between the metro and the planned Sabari rail network.

The railway station is just 1.50 km away from the town center, making it a convenient transport hub for commuters arriving via Thrissur or other northern towns.

P.V. Paulson, chairperson of the Indian Institute of Materials Management Cochin branch, proposed building the terminal station for the metro's airport extension at Karayamparambu, situated north of Angamaly on NH 544. He also suggested that the proposed 50-km Kochi Outer Ring Road, currently under consideration by the National Highways Authority of India, could connect Aroor with Karayamparambu.

By extending the metro from the airport to Karayamparambu through Josepuram, significant land acquisition costs could be saved, as the viaduct could primarily be constructed through paddy fields, many of which are currently fallow. Furthermore, extending the metro to Karukutty on NH 544 would provide additional benefits to commuters.