Data Analytics in Kochi Metro

This project involved applied data analytics for Kochi Metro Rail, focusing on extracting meaningful insights from operational and passenger datasets.

The work combined research-driven methods with practical constraints of real transit systems.

Key Contributions

Analysis of AFC and operational data
Identification of travel patterns and demand trends
Support for planning and performance evaluation

Impact

The project demonstrated how structured data analytics can support evidence-based decision-making in public transport, bridging academic research and real metro operations.

Project Launch (DST–KMRL)

Department of Science & Technology (DST) sponsored KMRL project titled “Intelligent Data Analytics Platform for a Metro Rail Transport System” was officially launched at KMRL HQ, Ernakulam on 21 February 2019 by Sri Suresh Gopi MP (RS). The event was presided over by Mr A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish IAS (Managing Director, KMRL) in the presence of Rev Msgr. Thomas Kakkassery (Manager, Jyothi Engineering College, Thrissur), Rev Fr Mathew Vattathara CMI (Director, Rajagiri School of Engineering and Technology, Kochi) and Dr A. Unnikrishnan (Principal, RSET).

The project was initiated under the principal guidance of Fr Dr Jaison Paul Mulerikkal CMI (Principal, Jyothi Engineering College, Thrissur).

Team

Co-Principal Investigators: Dr Vineeth Rajatlal (JEC), Dr Sminu Izudheen (RSET), Mr Binu Ayyappan (RSET)
Junior Research Fellows (JRFs): Mr Sajanraj T D, Ms Deepa Merlin Dixon

Funding & Infrastructure

DST allocated ₹25 lakhs to support two researchers (up to 3 years) and project ancillaries including a small server/computer cluster.

Goals & Scope

The project aims to design an innovative data analytics platform for KMRL to enable seamless transport across Kochi metro city and to be adaptable for other metros with customization. The platform targets data collection, storage and synchronization from:

Metro Rail System
Water Metro
Bus networks
Auto-rickshaw networks

Ensuring privacy and security, analytics are performed over the integrated “big data” using Artificial Intelligence (Machine Learning and Deep Learning). Derived insights and patterns are exposed via APIs to developers and the public. Operational insights help KMRL manage present services and plan ahead, improving the overall public transportation experience.

The ambition is to make Kochi a world-class metro city by incorporating AI, machine learning and data analytics over transport-related data—first-of-its-kind in the country. Future scope includes integrating online/private taxi services and parking solutions into this framework.