The 3rd Elets National Railway & Mobility Infrastructure Summit, scheduled for December 20, 2024, at the Kochi Marriott Hotel, will be centered around “Advancing Railway & Mobility Infrastructure for a Sustainable Future.” This event is about to showcase how transformative and sustainable urban mobility can be achieved through innovative practices led by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and Kochi Water Metro.

At the forefront of this transformation are Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and the Kochi Water Metro, whose initiatives exemplify the integration of sustainability and accessibility. While KMRL focuses on creating an eco-friendly transit system powered by renewable energy and advanced technologies, the Kochi Water Metro complements this vision by leveraging the city's natural waterways to enhance multimodal connectivity. Together, they offer a comprehensive model of urban transit that addresses environmental challenges while promoting inclusivity and economic growth.

The summit will serve as a crucial platform for experts and stakeholders to explore the potential of emerging technologies such as AI and IoT in creating smarter, greener transport systems. Discussions will focus on scalable solutions to support urban growth, reduce carbon emissions, and foster sustainable infrastructure development across India.

Revolutionizing Urban Mobility

Since its inception in 2017, Kochi Metro has emerged as a model for modern, eco-friendly transportation in India. The metro currently spans over 25 kilometers with 22 stations and boasts an 80,000 daily ridership, a number expected to surpass 100,000 with upcoming extensions​.

Integrating solar energy, regenerative braking systems, and multimodal connectivity, KMRL reduces reliance on private vehicles, alleviating traffic congestion and pollution​.

The Kochi Water Metro,India's first integrated water transport system, further advances this vision. Powered by hybrid-electric boats, the Water Metro reduces road congestion while providing seamless connectivity across 10 islands. By leveraging Kochi's natural waterways, this project ensures an eco-friendly alternative for both residents and tourists​.

Driving Sustainability Goals

KMRL meets over 50% of its energy needs through solar power, positioning itself as one of the most energy-efficient metro systems in India. Plans to transition fully to solar by 2024 further reinforce its commitment to renewable energy. Furthermore, initiatives like rainwater harvesting and pedestrian-friendly infrastructure enhance environmental sustainability.

The integration of diverse transport modes, including metro, buses, ferries, and cycling, underlines KMRL's holistic approach to reducing the carbon footprint of urban transit​.

Empowering Communities

Kochi Metro prioritizes inclusivity, employing women from Kudumbashree, a local self-help group, and providing job opportunities for members of the transgender community— a first for any metro in India. Facilities such as braille signage, accessible ticket counters, and audio-visual announcements cater to passengers with disabilities​.

Shaping the Future of Mobility

With Phase II of the Kochi Metro set to expand the network by 11.2 km, connecting key areas such as Infopark, KMRL is enhancing accessibility to both residential neighbourhoods and commercial hubs. Above that, Phase III plans to extend the metro line to Cochin International Airport, reinforcing its vision of seamless, multimodal connectivity that integrates urban and regional transit systems​.

Highlights and Learnings Awaiting You

The 3rd Elets National Railway & Mobility Infrastructure Summit will spotlight Kochi Metro and Water Metro as case studies for sustainable urban mobility. The esteemed guests can expect engaging discussions on electrification, multimodal integration, and innovative public-private partnerships driving India's mobility revolution.

The launch of the Special Souvenir will set a benchmark for showcasing transformative milestones in sustainable urban mobility, highlighting innovative practices, and celebrating the collaborative efforts of Kochi Metro and Water Metro in reshaping India's transport landscape. It will serve as a guiding reference for integrating sustainability and technology in public transit systems nationwide.

Kochi Metro and Water Metro serve as beacons of innovation, setting benchmarks for cities worldwide aiming to balance development with environmental responsibility. Join us at the summit to celebrate and contribute to this transformative journey.