Kochi Metro Inauguration: PM Modi to Become the First Official Passenger

kochi metro

kochi metro inaugurationPrime Minister Narendra Modi will inaugurate the much-awaited Kochi Metro on 17 June 2017. He will not only inaugurate the local rail network in Kochi in the state of Kerala but will also be the first official passenger to ride on it. The construction work of Kochi Metro started in 2013 under the supervising of our very own “metro man” Dr. E. Sreedharan, who was also responsible for the construction of Delhi Metro under the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. The inaugural function will be held at Aluva in Ernakulam district in Kochi.

Key Highlights of Kochi Metro First Phase

  • Foundation stone laid in 2012.
  • Construction work started in 2013.
  • Principal advisor Dr. E. Sreedharan.
  • The first phase covers 13 km from Aluva to Palarivattom.
  • There are 11 stations between Aluva and Palarivattom.
  • From station to station, Kochi Metro’s running time will be approximately 2 minutes.
  • The total running time to cover all the 11 stations will be approximately 50 minutes.
  • PM Narendra Modi will be the first passenger of this train.
  • Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is the fastest metro project in the country.
  • Koch Metro is also the first metro in the country to cover the longest distance of 13 km.
  • The first phase is completed at an estimated cost of Rs5181.79 Cr.
  • There are 2 lines in Kochi Metro. One line from Aluva to Ernakulam direction and the other line running from Ernakulam to Aluva direction.

Kochi Metro Rail Tickets Pricing and Capacity

  • Fare: The fare of Koch Metro ranges from Rs. 15 to Rs. 30.
  • Fare Collection: Fares will be collected using automatic fare collection system that comprise both the smart cards and computerized paper tickets.
  • Capacity: The Kochi Metro Train has a capacity of carrying 975 passengers in total.

 Inauguration Arrangements Amidst Controversy

Prime Minister on 17 June will inaugurate this prestigious rail network. However, there has been some controversies related to the inaugural arrangements and the passengers to travel along with the PM on this train. One main controversy is not including the name of Dr. E. Sreedharan among the list of dignitaries who will not only join the PM in his first ride on the metro as co-passengers but also share the dias on the inaugural day. While the local officials of Kerala had shortlisted 14 people including Sreedharan, leader of the opposition Ramesh Chennithala and Kochi lawmaker PT Thomas for stage presence, the final list was made by PMO (Prime Minister’s Office) in which the number of VIP guests was reduced to 7 considering security arrangements.

 To sum up

Whatever maybe the controversies associated with inauguration, the good news is that Kochi Metro is the first metro in India, which will connect all modes of transports. Kochi Metro is the country’s eighth metro project and the first in the state of Kerala. It is the fastest metro project in India in completion time and also the first of its kind to employ Kudumbashree workers and also members from the transgender community for its construction work. While the first phase of 13 km network will be available for public use immediately after inauguration, another 5 km will be added from Palarivattom up to Maharaja’s College and will be operational by August 2017.