KOCHI: As part of enhancing non-ticket revenue, Kochi Metro authorities are all set to launch world class executive dormitory accommodation at Metro's MG Road station. The air-conditioned rooms will have locker facility, free WI-FI, round-the-clock check-in check-out facility and security cameras. The facility will be open from first week of June. There will be business and economy classes in the accommodation. The rates will be Rs 595 for business and Rs 395 for economy per day.
"The KMRL has provided 3,500 square feet of space at MG Road station. There will be more than 200 beds and unlike normal dormitories, there will be private space for each bed with reading light, phone charging point. Privacy of the inmate is ensured," said M.J Francis, director of Peters Inn, which is operating the facility. "The facility is not exclusively for Metro riders though the facility can be most beneficial for commuters. Since an executive class and air conditioned accommodation in a city hotel or lodge is much expensive, people coming from other parts of the state for short term visit to Kochi can easily afford this facility. We've launched it with the aim of tourism promotion," he added.
The firm is planning to introduce a total of 1500 such bed spaces in different parts of the city including Metro stations. During the first anniversary of Kochi Metro's commercial operation, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited has chalked out extensive plans to increase earnings from alternative sources. Lending out commercial spaces in Metro stations, introducing click n collect programme whereby commuters can order products at online portals and the same will be delivered at Metro stations, launching game zones in stations with enough space are some of the plans proposed to increase non-ticket revenue.
