Kochi: The announcement of introducing DEMU (diesel electric multiple unit) services between Aluva and Tripunithura by the Southern Railways raises apprehensions of a possible depletion in Kochi Metro revenues.
Even as the Metro works are progressing at a fast pace to meet the June 2016 deadline, the introduction of DEMU is expected to facilitate urban transport in a big way.
However, experts are of the view that the DEMU service might not have a big impact on the prospective ridership of the Metro.
“It will not be an alternative for Metro since the route and fare are different. DEMU, like regular train services, is a cheaper mode of transport. Those travelling to city centres and within the city have to depend on Metro Rail,” said a civic expert.
Meanwhile, sources at Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) said the train passengers were not expected to migrate to the Metro as per their projections.
“We anticipate a considerable per cent of commuters depending on buses and self-driven cars and two-wheelers to reach the city to migrate to the Metro. Any new service is an added advantage for the urban public transport sector,” said KMRL officials.
