Keralans, celebrate! Residents will soon have access to a brand-new, reasonably priced, and environmentally friendly form of transportation thanks to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). If everything proceeds as planned, Kochi would be the first city in Kerala and one of the first in India to introduce an affordable light tram system that links places where traditional metro services are impractical. To start the project’s preparatory work, KMRL is still seeking clearance from the state government.

The planned light tram, which is based on international systems, aims to enhance intra-city travel and link different parts of Kochi. A feasibility study has been approved by the KMRL Board of Directors. The next step, however, would be to present a thorough project proposal to the state government for money allocation and approval.

The feasibility assessment for starting the light tram project has been accepted by the board, according to a KMRL representative. The 6.2-kilometer MG Road-High Court-Thevara section via Shanmugham Road is the first route suggested for Kochi, which is now under debate, according to The New Indian Express.

Hess Green Mobility, which has experience implementing light tram systems in cities like Brisbane, Australia, sent a team to Kochi last year to meet with KMRL officials and look at possible project locations. Following these talks, KMRL made the official decision to request permission to carry out a feasibility study for the new light tram system.

The proposal will be sent to the Central government for approval once the State government has given its assent. “The Union government should manage the funds,” the source said. We will approach the Center after receiving the state’s clearance. At several phases of execution, including tender float and DPR preparation, the same process will be followed.

Experts say Kerala, which is struggling financially, is a better fit for the project. The cost of the light tram system is lower than that of the conventional metro system. The cost of building a light tram is about Rs 75 crore, which may be further reduced if manufacturing is done locally, but the metro system would cost over Rs 300 crore per mile, the official stated.

Significantly, each light tram will have three coaches, each 25 meters long, and may carry up to 240 people. These electric-hybrid trams have a 45-kilometer range and can be completely charged in only six minutes.