Finally, the wait for Kerala's first metro service is almost over. The first phase of the Kochi Metro Rail will be inaugurated on 17 June.
Kochi is the eighth city to get a metro rail, after Kolkata (1984), Delhi (2002), Bengaluru (2011), Jaipur (2013), Gurgaon (2013), Mumbai (2014) and Chennai (2015).
And although the inaugural event has been mired in controversy, expectations for the Kochi Metro is already soaring.
Here are 12 reasons to be proud of Kerala’s first metro service:
1. Punctuality
Unlike the Chennai Metro, Bengaluru’s Namma Metro or the Hyderabad Metro, which has been dogged by delay and controversy, the first phase of the Kochi Metro has been completed in record time.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) Managing Director Elias George expressed contentment over the completion of the 13 km corridor, up to Palarivattom, in a path-breaking three years and nine months.
2. Sneha Yathra
After Prime Minister Narendra Modi inaugurates the metro service on 17 June, KMRL will organise a ‘Sneha Yathra’ (The Journey of Love).
The ‘Sneha Yathra’ will give an opportunity to residents of orphanages and old-age homes affiliated to the Social Justice Department in the city, to take a ride on the prestigious metro, just before the service is thrown open to the public.
3. Key to Success: Gratitude
KMRL took time out on Monday to pay thanks to nearly 800 migrant workers, whose sweat and blood made Kerala’s first metro service a reality.
Honouring the workers with sadhya (a traditional Kerala meal served on a banana leaf), KMRL also organised an entertainment programme for the labourers as thanks. In return, the workers jotted down their names on a message board in support of the metro project.
4. Uniquely Themed Stations
All 11 stations are themed differently.
While the Palarivattom station has floral interiors, the CUSAT station has a water-theme. Fish paintings line the walls of Pathadippalam station, while Muttam has been given a bird theme.
5. Coaches For The Disabled, and Cushions!
Apart from a special provision for wheelchairs, the coaches have reserved seats for people with disabilities. There are 136 seats in all trains. Seats meant for women traveling with children, children, and the elderly have also been marked with a different colour.
.jpg?auto=format%2Ccompress&fmt=webp&width=720)
For people with physical illness/disabilities and pregnant women, the Kochi Metro comes with cushioned seats.
6. Women’s Visibility
It’s women power at Kochi Metro, with KMRL making it a point to give jobs to women in the state. From train operators to ground staff, the service has put women at the forefront.
There are 7 women train operators. Kudumbashree workers have also been employed by KMRL.
7. Green Kochi
KMRL is planting saplings on the medians of the highway and some pillars, as part of the Greening Kochi scheme.
8. Transgenders Are Also Included
In a first of its kind initiative, KMRL has employed 23 transgender persons as ground staff.
The move is in tandem with Kerala government's efforts to empower transgender persons and bring them into the mainstream.
9. Solar Panels Installed
Solar panels have been installed on the rooftop of all the stations. It is estimated that 2.3 MW of power can be generated out of all the panels.
10. Eco-friendly Transport
KMRL has launched the public bike sharing system, under which commuters can use bicycles free of cost to travel short distance within the city limits. The initiative was launched on 5 June, World Environment Day. KMRL MD Elias George IAS inaugurated the public bike sharing system by riding a bicycle.
11. Also, Multi-model Transport System
Kochi Water Metro, an integrated water transport has been envisaged to connect people residing near the Kochi backwaters to the mainland, thereby improving their livelihoods and economic status. Waterways would be used as a feeder service to KMRL, thereby helping to reduce road traffic.
12. Doors Will Close to ‘Chenda’ Drums
Temples festivals are a big part of Kerala’s culture. And if reports are to be believed, the doors of the trains will close to the beat of chenda (drums).
(The story was first appeared on The News Minute and has been republished with permission.)
(At The Quint, we are answerable only to our audience. Play an active role in shaping our journalism by becoming a member. Because the truth is worth it.)