Kochi Metro chugs ahead

KOCHI: The first phase of the Rs 5181 crore Kochi Metro turns a year old on June 17 and having many firsts to its credit, the Metro service has already created a mark of its own. It is the second fastest completed Metro project in the country after Lucknow Metro. The Kochi Metro has been opened to the public within four years of starting the construction. From the first ‘green Metro’ of the country, use of solar-power to ‘equal opportunity employer’ with transgender persons and more women in the workforce, the Kochi Metro has several firsts to its credit.

Initial 13 km stretch from Aluva to Palarivattom was opened for traffic on June 17 by Prime Minister Narendra Modi which was later extended to Maharajas on October 3. The Kochi Metro seems to have put an end to the tiresome ordeal of commuting through the crawling traffic in Kochi’s congested roads by providing an easier, fast and safer mode of transport. Apart from the advantage of fast commuting, daily travellers are much satisfied with other amenities provided by Metro.

Women safety being a widely debated issue in the current scenario, Ashly Paul, a college student said that women prefer Metro over other public transport modes due to the secure travelling experience it provides. Technologically advanced surveillance cameras and the service of security team have their share of contribution in making Metro a favourite of women commuters.

Amidst the shower of praises, a big number of passengers are apprehensive over the “unaffordable” ticket fare which keeps the mass transit system away from majority of people. The high ticket fare is cited as the major reason for the decline in ridership after the initial excitement. The high parking fee at stations and the lack of proper feeder services from stations also turned the Metro unacceptable for many.

Shanavas P.A, a regular commuter, feels that the ideal target group of Metro the daily-wage earners are keeping away due to the high tariff.  “When the KMRL offered 50 per cent discount in ticket fare, through free return trip at the cost of a single journey when they buy a Return Journey Ticket, there was sudden increase in ridership. It clearly indicates that high ticket charge is the main barrier,” he said.

However, there are people who justify the high ticket fare citing the efficiency, punctuality and comfort of Metro. Commuters also point out that the Kochi1 card introduced in collaboration with Axis bank which provides 20 per cent discount did not work up to the expectation. In view of the overwhelming response to the seasonal offers, KMRL is all set to introduce similar long term plans to increase the footfall in Metro.