Kochi: ‘Metroman’ E. Sreedharan on Saturday said he was personally in favour of lower fare than that is currently charged by Kochi Metro. “My personal opinion was that the fares should be less than what is charged now so that more commuters would travel. However, one fact is that no metro system is profitable, especially in the initial period,” he told reporters on the sidelines of a function. 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. Kochi Metro Rail Ltd Managing Director Elias George said the other day that the authorities plan various actions to facilitate the commuters travel at lesser cost. “We’re assessing the situation and products such as monthly passes with 20 per cent discount will be introduced which further bring down the fare,” he said. Meanwhile, when asked about the expansion plan of the Kochi Metro, Mr Sreedharan said he would bat for a line to Angamaly via Nedumbassery airport rather than a direct line from Aluva. “However, a decision has to be taken by the KMRL which will be implementing the second phase onward by itself. DMRC’s role finished with the completion of the first phase and the extension to Tripunithura,” he said.
