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Kochi Metro: A Leap Towards Sustainability

Taloju Saikrishna
SDGM (Operations)

On 17th June 2017, the Kochi Metro began its passenger service, marking a
transformative moment in Kerala’s urban transportation landscape. With high

expectations and promises, the metro aimed to provide a sustainable, efficient, and
eco-friendly transit solution for the bustling city of Kochi. However, the initial phase was

met with skepticism—questions were raised about its financial viability, ridership
projections, and long-term sustainability, especially considering Kochi’s population

density compared to other metro cities.

Despite these challenges, KMRL took strategic steps to prove the critics wrong and

establish a sustainable operational model.

Building a Strong Operation & Maintenance (O&M) Wing

The success of any metro system hinges critically on the strength and expertise of its

Operation & Maintenance (O&M) team, which ensures seamless daily operations,
safety, and long-term reliability. Recognising this, KMRL adopted a strategic two-

pronged approach to build a world-class O&M division. First, the organisation
recruited seasoned professionals from established metro networks across India and

globally, leveraging their deep technical knowledge and hands-on experience to
design robust O&M frameworks and mentor new talent. Second, KMRL integrated

fresh, skilled recruits into the system, creating a dynamic workforce that combined
institutional expertise with youthful adaptability. This balanced blend of experienced

mentors and young professionals fostered a knowledge-driven culture, where best
practices were systematically documented and refined. As a result, KMRL developed

comprehensive Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) covering every aspect of

metro operations—from train scheduling and maintenance protocols to emergency
response and passenger management. These SOPs ensured high operational

efficiency, minimal downtime, and failure-free services right from the launch of Kochi
Metro, setting a strong foundation for its reputation as one of India’s most reliable and

well-managed metro systems.