By the 1950s, development economists and technocrats had become a dominant group with the ability to influence policy makers of then newly-independent countries including India. The post-colonial nations were in need for big push in investments and infrastructure and were aiming for self-reliance. The strategy often landed these countries in crises in several areas such as food inflation, foreign exchange etc. Still, questioning the path of development carried with it the risk of being branded “anti- development” and “less freedom-loving”. Perspectives have changed a lot over the time and large dams are no longer temples of modern India. Rather, they are villains causing displacement and environmental hazards. Kerala is rather a late comer to the development creed. The state earned its laurels for the distributive agenda and public action in education and health.
In the era after the 1991 neo-liberal economic reforms, the demand for infrastructural investment became strident in Kerala and other states. New models were showcased. One such model was Delhi metro. Its legendary architect E. Sreedharan, a Malayali, became a sought-after technocrat, a status he well-deserved through hard work and innovative thinking. He is also the brain behind Konkan Railway, which made Malayali’s travel to Mumbai shorter by a day. In the early 2000s, there were voices demanding a Metro for Kochi. The remittance-induced prosperity had increased the vehicle density on the narrow roads and bridges, which were full of potholes after a rain. Traffic snarls and private buses on their reckless run tested the patience of the traveller on the road. Travelling through North overbridge, waiting long for trains to pass by at Pachalam road, crossing Edappally signal and travelling to South railway station road after a heavy rain were nightmares an emerging Kochi experienced. The last one is a current problem as well.
Widening of North overbridge in a professional manner was a great service done by the Metro project. Pachalam road overbridge is another noteworthy contribution of DMRC. Kochi has expanded from Angamaly to Tripunithura. The present Metro will be a real blessing if it can stretch from Tripunithura to Nedumbassery airport. One senior official has gone on record stating that this is on the agenda. As regards economics of the Metro, one should avoid the experience of the German Railways during the late 19 th century, which did not attract passengers due to prohibitive fair. Our Metro is not of that variety as it would have reasonable fair and would not keep commonman at bay. A concern that is being expressed in whispers is that whether Kochi Metro would earn profits or break-even. From the signals that are coming, it would not, and like many public utility services, it need not. But the Metro is the pride of the Kochiite and is believed to make Kochi a centre of tourist attraction. It would be a worthwhile contribution if it can make Kochi a still better destination.
In the interregnum, traffic snarls would continue, as a person who wants to go to airport is likely to travel by car instead of travelling by Metro till Aluva and then proceed by other means. The necessity for road flyovers in Kochi is still relevant and Kochi’s burgeoning traffic cannot wait for completion of second and third stages of the Metro. Like any healthy competitor, Metro can offer better alternative to road travel in the coming years. Metro is owner’s pride, but to make it Kochi’s neighbours’ envy, we need to have good flyovers, pedestrian and two-wheeler paths, especially for bicycles and keep South railway station area free from becoming a river of floating wastes after a rain.
Metro is a dream come true, but for a traffic snarl free Kochi, we need to walk an extra mile. This should not be lost sight amidst the celebratory mood. While celebrating the completion of the Metro project without any allegations in a state where controversies are the most thriving entertainment industry, we should well remember that development models of yester years, which were temples of modern India and emotional symbols of achievement, no longer enjoy that status in the civil society. Metro is an achievement, but traffic in Kochi has still serious issues to be factored in.
(The writer is a commentator on polity)
