Kochi: The daily passenger patronage of the Kochi Metro is expected to touch a record one lakh mark on Monday, thanks to the increased commuter demand since opening of the new Maharaja's College-Thykoodam stretch.
"We're enjoying an operational profit of upto Rs 2 lakh currently. The commuter patronage increased rapidly post opening of the new line. We expect the trend to continue in the coming days. We've announced extended operation till 11 pm during Onam festive days to tap into the heavy demand," said Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish.
The total daily ridership clocked 95, 285 on Saturday, up from 39, 936 on September 3 when the 5.64- km-long Maharaja's College-Thykoodam section was inaugurated.
"Delighted to learn that in few days since the new five-km section got inaugurated, ridership of Kochi Metro has risen sharply to 95,300 yesterday from just 35, 000 earlier. With this 175 per cent increase within days, I'm sure ridership will soon cross 1,00, 000 mark," said Durga Shanker Mishra, Union Urban Affairs Secretary.
Metro sources said since ridership is usually low on Sundays, they expect the one lakh figures on Monday.
The KMRL authorities have introduced 'Daily' and 'Weekend' Pass schemes to woo more travellers on Saturdays and Sundays. Currently a discount of 50 per cent on ticket rate is being offered till September 18, which too is a factor for increased ridership.
Meanwhile, passengers demanded more amenities for parking besides deployment of security personnel at Thykoodam metro station where the services terminate at present.
"A major section from eastern parts of the district depends on metro for travel to various city destinations from Thykoodam and Vytilla metro stations. However, many are not been able to find parking space at Thykoodam from morning itself as the current facility accommodates just around 20 cars," said Dr Sanal Kumar, a native of Pettah who travels to hospital on metro.
