Archive · 22 Aug 2026
Kerala Government Opposes Proposed Keralam Metro Name Change
Kochi Metro is considering changing its name to Keralam Metro Rail Limited.
The company says it now works on more than trains in Kochi.
It is also involved with the Kochi Water Metro and electric mobility projects.
It has been asked to help with proposed metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
Because of this, the company says a Kerala-wide name would fit better.
The Kerala government says it did not approve the change.
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan also said the proposal had not been formally brought to the government.
The name change can therefore proceed only if the required government approval is obtained.
The Kerala government says it did not approve or receive formal notice of the proposed name change.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited wants to become Keralam Metro Rail Limited.
Managing director Loknath Behera says the current name no longer reflects the company’s statewide responsibilities.
KMRL now oversees Kochi Metro, Kochi Water Metro, electric mobility projects, and proposed systems in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden raised the objection, which was taken up by Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan.
- Who
- Kochi Metro Rail Limited, managing director Loknath Behera, the Kerala government, Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan, and Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden.
- What
- Kochi Metro Rail Limited has proposed changing its name to Keralam Metro Rail Limited, but the Kerala government has opposed the move.
- When
- The proposal was reported on Thursday, after President Droupadi Murmu assented to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 earlier that week.
- Where
- Kerala, involving Kochi and the company’s proposed projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
- Why
- KMRL says its responsibilities have expanded beyond Kochi, while the government objects that it was neither consulted nor asked to approve the change.
KMRL’s Case for Renaming
Government’s Objection
Whether the name reflects the company’s role
KMRL’s Case for Renaming
Loknath Behera says the city-specific name no longer reflects KMRL’s expanding statewide responsibilities and projects.
Government’s Objection
The government’s stated objection concerns the lack of government approval and consultation, rather than the company’s project list.
Approval process
KMRL’s Case for Renaming
Behera said he was awaiting the state government’s nod for the proposed name change.
Government’s Objection
Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan said the government had neither taken the decision nor received the matter for consideration, describing KMRL’s action as unilateral.
- Current name
- Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL)
- Proposed name
- Keralam Metro Rail Limited
- Managing director
- Loknath Behera
- Government position
- The Kerala government says it neither approved nor received the proposal for consideration.
- Projects cited
- Kochi Metro, Kochi Water Metro, electric mobility projects, and proposed metro projects in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode.
- Parliamentary objection
- Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden objected to the proposed change.
- Related development
- President Droupadi Murmu assented to the Kerala (Alteration of Name) Bill, 2026 earlier that week.