Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is planning to introduce monthly passes offering upto 20 per cent discount to commuters once the metro services start operation in the 18-km Aluva-Maharajas College section, its Managing Director Elias George said on Friday. Currently the metro is being operated in the 13-km stretch from Aluva to Palarivattom. A commuter has to dole out Rs 40 for travelling the full distance while the minimum fare is Rs 10. There are charges that the rate is slightly high which would not make an impact as expected initially. Metro authorities said the service till Maharajas College will be started by September, at least a month ahead of targeted schedule.
“We’re assessing the situation and are planning measures that will bring down the fare, such as monthly passes ,” the official said. The managing director said the metro construction work for the Kakkanad line would begin once the Centre approves the new Metro Rail Act which will facilitate greater private participation and investment in construction and operations of Metro projects. The draft will come for the approval of the cabinet next month. He also added that the authorities plan to set up more vertical gardens in the metro pillars with private participation.
