KMRL General Manager (O&M) Recruitment 2026

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is looking to fill 1 General Manager (Operations & Maintenance) post at E8 Grade, either on regular, deputation, or re-employment basis. If you have a B.E./B.Tech in any Engineering branch with 20+ years of experience in metro or railway operations, you can apply online. The last date to apply is 27 August 2026. Regular appointees get a starting pay of Rs. 1,20,000 per month under the IDA scale, going up to Rs. 2,80,000.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) General Manager (Operations & Maintenance) Recruitment 2026 - 1 Post

KMRL has released Advt. No. KMRL/HR/2026-27/06 dated 4 August 2026 to hire a General Manager (Operations & Maintenance) for its Kochi Metro network. KMRL is a 50:50 Joint Venture of the Government of India and the Government of Kerala, and its First Phase is now fully operational. The network is now expanding under Phase II (JLN to Info Park), covering approximately 11 km with 11 new stations, which is why this senior operations role has opened up. KMRL will first try to fill this post on a regular E8-grade basis; only if a suitable candidate is not found will it consider the deputation or re-employment route for an Additional General Manager or Chief Operations & Maintenance Manager instead. Serving and retired Railway officers (IRTS/IRSSE/IRSEE/IRSME/IRSE) with metro or railway operations experience are strongly encouraged to apply, alongside engineering graduates who meet the experience criteria.

Who Can Apply?

For Regular Basis (E8 Grade):

• You need a B.E./B.Tech in any Engineering branch from an AICTE/UGC recognized university.
• You must have at least 20 years of post-qualification experience in Operations, Construction, or Maintenance of Signalling, Telecom, Rolling Stock, or Traction — including at least 15 years in an executive or managerial role — in Railways, Rail PSUs, or Metro Rail Corporations.
• If you currently work in Railways/Rail PSUs/CPSEs/Metro Rail organizations, you should already be in an equivalent grade, or have at least 2 years in the immediate lower grade of the same pattern.

For Deputation (GM or Additional GM):

• You should be a serving IRTS/IRSSE/IRSEE/IRSME/IRSE officer of Indian Railways in the SAG pay scale (Rs. 1,44,200-2,18,200, Level-14 CDA) for GM, or the SG pay scale (Rs. 1,23,100-2,15,900, Level-13 CDA) for Additional GM, or an equivalent IDA-pattern scale in a Rail PSU or Metro Rail Corporation.
• You need relevant experience in Operations, Maintenance, Signalling, Telecom, Rolling Stock, Traction, or Construction. Railway deputationists get a relaxation of up to 2 years in total experience, at management's discretion.

For Re-employment (Chief or Additional Chief O&M Manager):

• You should be a retired officer of Railways, a Rail PSU, or a Metro Rail company, at least in the pay scales mentioned above.
• Re-employment is offered for an initial 2 years, extendable up to 65 years of age or a maximum of 5 years from your initial appointment, whichever comes first, subject to good performance.

Age Limit

• For Regular and Deputation GM (O&M): maximum 55 years as on 1 August 2026.
• For Deputation Additional GM (O&M): maximum 50 years as on 1 August 2026.
• For Re-employment (Chief/Additional Chief O&M Manager): between 56 and 62 years as on 1 August 2026.

Salary

• Regular GM (O&M) gets an IDA pay scale of Rs. 1,20,000 to Rs. 2,80,000 per month (E8 grade). Initial pay is normally fixed at the minimum of the scale, though management can grant advance increments for a strong profile.
• Deputation appointees are paid as per their deputation terms and conditions.
• Re-employed Chief Operations & Maintenance Manager gets a consolidated pay of Rs. 1,70,000 per month, with up to 10% enhancement possible for deserving candidates.
• Re-employed Additional Chief Operations & Maintenance Manager gets a consolidated pay of Rs. 1,46,000 per month.

Selection Process

KMRL will shortlist candidates through the following stages:

1. Written/Online Test — conducted only if KMRL decides it is needed, based on the number of applicants.
2. Interview — only shortlisted candidates are informed, by email. No other mode of communication is used.

KMRL reserves the right to shortlist candidates at its sole discretion, and no correspondence will be entertained about the selection outcome. No TA/DA is paid for attending the selection process, and a waitlist may be maintained for future vacancies.

How to Apply

1. Go to kochimetro.org/careers and read the instructions carefully.
2. Fill in the online application form using the link on the KMRL website.
3. Upload scanned copies of your proof of age, educational qualification mark sheets/certificates, and service/experience certificates (with dates of joining and relieving).
4. If you are employed in a Government/Quasi-Government/Rail PSU/Metro organization, keep a "No Objection Certificate" ready to produce at the test/interview stage.
5. Deputation candidates should also forward their application through proper channel; applying online is treated only as an advance copy.
6. Submit your application before the deadline — applications sent by fax or email will not be accepted.

Keep checking kochimetro.org for any corrigendum or addendum to this advertisement — updates are posted only on the official website.

Important Dates

• Notification Date: 4 August 2026
• Application Start Date: 4 August 2026
• Last Date to Apply: 27 August 2026

• Oversee day-to-day train operations and maintenance across the Kochi Metro network
• Manage Signalling, Telecom, Rolling Stock, and Traction system maintenance teams
• Plan and monitor preventive and breakdown maintenance schedules
• Coordinate with Phase II expansion teams for smooth integration of new stations
• Ensure compliance with safety standards and regulatory requirements
• Prepare budgets and monitor costs for operations and maintenance activities
• Lead and mentor engineering staff across O&M departments
• Report operational performance and incidents to senior management