Thu Mar 13 16:50:42 UTC 2025: ## Kochi Metro’s Kakkanad Extension Gets ₹100 Crore Boost, Work to Resume
**KOCHI, March 13, 2025** – The long-delayed Kakkanad extension of the Kochi Metro has received a much-needed financial injection. The Kerala State government has released ₹100 crore to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), alleviating funding shortages that had significantly hampered construction progress over the past several months.
The funds represent the state’s equity contribution to the ₹1,957-crore project. A matching ₹100 crore from the central government is expected imminently. This infusion will accelerate piling and other works on the elevated viaduct for the 11.20-km JLN Stadium-Kaloor-Infopark corridor. KMRL plans to deploy more hydraulic rigs to expedite construction, addressing concerns raised about idle worksites.
The government is also expected to soon release an additional ₹8 crore requested by KMRL to address traffic management issues related to road diversions and junction widening.
The funding comes as a relief to KMRL, which is also awaiting a $122.32 million loan from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). While the loan is yet to be disbursed, KMRL maintains its target of completing the viaduct by June 2026, with the entire project finalized by the end of the year.
The delay had sparked concerns from commuters, local representatives, residents’ associations, and NGOs. KMRL officials emphasize the importance of timely disbursement of both state and central funds, along with the AIIB loan, to ensure the project’s timely completion.
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