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The Kerala government鈥檚 Revenue Department has leased 50 acres of government land in Kasaragod to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for the development of a 12 MW solar park. Located in Ambalathara village, Hosdurg taluk, this strategic allocation marks a major milestone in KMRL鈥檚 plan to power its metro network entirely through renewable energy.

The land has been leased for 30 years at an annual rent of Rs 3.2 million, set at 3 per cent of the land鈥檚 market value, with adjustments every three years. The initiative reflects the state鈥檚 commitment to sustainable urban infrastructure and supports KMRL鈥檚 aim to minimise its carbon footprint.

KMRL Managing Director Loknath Behera stated that the energy generated from the Kasaragod park would directly support the Kochi Metro system, furthering its transition to clean energy. The agency is also planning a similar project in Alappuzha to serve the Kochi Water Metro.

As part of the lease agreement, KMRL must ensure environmental safeguards. If any trees are felled during construction, three saplings must be planted for every tree removed. The leased land forms part of a larger 378-acre parcel, initially earmarked for military use, of which 121 acres have already been allocated.

KMRL already operates a solar facility at Muttom, which currently supplies over 50 per cent of its energy needs. With the Kasaragod solar park, KMRL moves closer to its goal of achieving 100 per cent solar-powered operations. This initiative not only curbs reliance on conventional energy but also enhances long-term cost efficiency and energy resilience.

By integrating renewable energy with public transport, Kerala continues to position itself at the forefront of sustainable urban development, offering a replicable model for other Indian cities aiming for climate-resilient infrastructure.