Shashi Tharoor's intervention reportedly behind proposal to rename Kochi Metro

Kochi: The proposal by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to change its name is reportedly linked to an intervention by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor. Tharoor is said to have suggested adopting a more general name in view of the proposed metro projects in Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram.

KMRL is preparing the detailed project reports (DPRs) for the proposed metro systems in both cities. The decision of KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera to recommend the name change to the Chief Minister without wider discussion had drawn public criticism from Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden. United Democratic Front (UDF) MLAs from Ernakulam district have also opposed the move.

The state government has received a recommendation to rename Kochi Metro Rail Limited as Kerala Metro Rail Limited. Behera submitted the proposal seeking the government's approval for the change.

The proposed renaming is aimed at expanding the company's identity beyond Kochi and enabling it to plan and implement urban transport projects across Kerala.

KMRL has successfully completed the first phase of the Kochi Metro, from Aluva to Tripunithura, and the company is currently operating profitably. The second phase, from Kaloor JLN Stadium to SmartCity, is expected to be completed within a year. KMRL is also handling projects including the Kochi Water Metro and electric mobility initiatives.

KMRL has additionally been entrusted with the proposed Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode metro projects. Behera had said that, given the company's expanding present and future responsibilities, a city-specific name was no longer suitable and that the name Kerala Metro Rail had therefore been proposed.

He said the move follows national models in which metro organisations have been given broader state-level identities, citing Nagpur Metro's restructuring as Maharashtra Metro, Lucknow Metro as Uttar Pradesh Metro and Ahmedabad Metro as Gujarat Metro.

The proposal must first receive approval from the Kerala government. If approved, the process will then move forward, subject to clearances from the company's board of directors, shareholders, the Union Ministry of Corporate Affairs and the central government.

Behera had also clarified that the name change would not affect KMRL's existing assets, liabilities, contracts, employees or legal status. The expenses related to rebranding and other changes would be met from the company's own budget.