Kochi Metro launches budget-friendly student pass

Kochi | The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on Tuesday announced a new student pass scheme that offers 50 metro rides for Rs 1,100 over 30 days, giving students a 33 per cent saving compared to average fares.

The pass will be available from July 1, 2025.

The initiative comes in response to repeated requests from student unions, colleges and other educational institutions.

KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera said the move aims to ease the daily travel cost burden for students while setting a new benchmark for metro systems in the country.

“After receiving persistent requests from student unions, educational institutions, and various student representative bodies, KMRL has worked diligently to develop this affordable transportation solution," Behera said.

“With an average/mean trip cost of Rs 33, students would normally spend Rs 1,650 for 50 trips. Our Student Pass at Rs 1,100 provides a substantial saving of Rs 550, making Kochi Metro one of the most student-friendly metro passes in India,” he said.

The Kochi Metro pass outperforms similar programmes in other cities.

While Nagpur and Pune metros offer a 30 per cent discount and Hyderabad only 10 per cent, Kochi’s 33 per cent discount is the most generous in the country, KMRL said.

According to it, the student pass will be valid for 30 days from the date it is activated.

It includes 50 trips that can be used between any two stations on the Kochi Metro network.

The cost of the pass is Rs 1,100 for one month, and Rs 3,000 for a three-month option.

It is available to students up to 30 years of age who present a valid student ID.

New students without ID cards will need a letter from their institution with their photo attached.

The pass is non-transferable and misuse may attract penalties. Damaged cards will be replaced for Rs 50.

“This is not just a discount, but a commitment to making public transport affordable and accessible to the youth,” Behera said.

KMRL said the pass is designed to offer students more flexibility, with the freedom to use their 50 rides anytime within the 30-day period. It also removes the need to queue for tickets daily.