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From the

Editor’s Desk

KMRL has reaffirmed its position as a leader in urban
transit by delivering exceptional operational efficiency
and passenger-centric services over the past year.
With 15 trains operating at an optimised headway of 7
minutes and 30 seconds, significantly reduced waiting
times, ensuring a seamless and comfortable
commuting experience for its 3.56 million passengers. The metro’s 99.98%
punctuality rate stands as a testament to its precision-driven operations. Beyond
operational metrics, KMRL has prioritised safety and workforce development,
conducting 216 training batches to enhance employee skills and executing
rigorous safety audits, mock drills, and multi-agency security exercises—such as
the recent large-scale drill at Thripunithura Station involving police, disaster
response teams, and anti-terror squads.
Innovation and cost-efficiency have been central to O&M maintenance strategy, as
demonstrated by the successful retrofitting fastenings with upgraded variants in
rail tracks, utilising existing spares to avoid unnecessary expenditure. The
adoption of drone-based inspections for assessing bridges over water bodies has
revolutionised infrastructure monitoring, eliminating the need for hazardous
manual checks while delivering precise structural data. Similarly, KMRL’s in-house
engineering prowess shines through projects like the Onboard ATC Simulator,
developed using repurposed scrap components, and the alternate sourcing of
train dampers reducing reliance on OEMs and cutting costs without compromising
quality.
The digital transformation led by O&M IT and operational teams has further
strengthened the metro’s sustainability and efficiency. The Digital Inventory
Management System, initially deployed for Signaling & Train Control, has been
expanded to Civil & Track operations, streamlining inventory control and reducing
waste. Meanwhile, the IT Department’s modernization of cybersecurity
frameworks, high-availability databases, and enterprise monitoring systems has
fortified KMRL against evolving digital threats while ensuring uninterrupted, data-
driven decision-making.

As KMRL continues to set benchmarks in urban mobility, safety, and innovation, its
Sustainability Report 2024-25 serves as a testament to the organization’s holistic
approach to operational excellence. By integrating cutting-edge technology, cost-
effective solutions, and rigorous safety protocols, O&M is not just maintaining
infrastructure but redefining sustainable public transportation. The report also
features insightful articles on O&M’s performance and strategic initiatives,
showcasing KMRL’s leadership in building smarter, greener cities.
The achievements documented in this report reflect a culture of continuous
improvement, environmental stewardship, and passenger-first service—principles
that will guide O&M as it expands its network and elevates Kochi’s transit
ecosystem for years to come.
A Manikandan
Chief General Manager (O&M)