Kochi: In response to rising ridership and growing commuter demand, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has announced an extension of its daily metro services till 11:00 PM starting February 15, 2026.
Under the revised schedule, the last trains from Aluva Metro station and Tripunithura Terminal Metro station will now depart at 11:00 PM, instead of the existing 10:30 PM.
Early Morning Services Also Demanded
While commuters have welcomed the late-night extension, there are increasing calls to advance the start of metro operations to better serve early morning rail passengers.
Residents’ associations have pointed out that several long-distance trains depart early from Ernakulam Junction railway station and Ernakulam Town railway station, and reduced private bus services have made last-mile connectivity more challenging.
“Several long-distance trains depart from Ernakulam Junction early in the morning. As the number of private buses operating in the city has come down, Kochi Metro should start operations at 5am to facilitate commuters,” said V C Jayendran, Secretary of the Tripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents Association (TRURA).
Currently, metro services begin at 6:00 AM on weekdays and 7:30 AM on Sundays.
Special Services for Shivaratri
In view of the upcoming Maha Shivaratri, KMRL has also announced special services to facilitate devotees travelling to Aluva.
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On Sunday (Shivaratri), the last train from Tripunithura Terminal will depart at 11:30 PM.
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On Monday, services will commence early from Aluva at 4:00 AM, operating at a frequency of 30 minutes until 6:00 AM.
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Thereafter, regular schedules will resume.
A KMRL spokesperson reiterated the agency’s focus on passenger convenience:
“KMRL reiterates its commitment to providing safe, reliable and passenger-friendly services, particularly during major festivals and public events.”
The extension of operating hours marks another step toward enhancing urban mobility in Kochi as metro ridership continues to show steady growth.
