Efforts by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to aesthetically deck up metro stations have evoked phenomenal response, with the agency receiving over 4,000 photographs from enthusiastic participants from across the State.
This has left KMRL with the onerous task of selecting 20 photographs for adorning the 16 metro stations between Aluva and Maharaja’s College Ground. Photographs for the remaining stations will be chosen as and when required.
KMRL had invited photographs largely based on the themes of the Western Ghats and Kerala’s flora and fauna, maritime history, spices and crops, cultural and artistic heritage, sporting heritage, and Ernakulam and its history. “The photographers will be given the option to either sell the photographs to us, or they can claim credit for the works. The photographs will be priced between ₹5,000 and ₹10,000.” KMRL sources said.
K.R. Unnikrishnan, a homoeo doctor by profession and one of the lucky participants to get his photographs selected, has opted for the credit-based arrangement. He submitted three photographs out of which two, that of Kanikonna (Cassia fistula) and a scene from the Alappuzha beach, were selected by KMRL. “I undertook a trip just to capture these images. KMRL has now asked me to sent high-resolution copies of these images,” said Mr. Unnikrishnan, who is passionate about photography and travelling.
The photographs chosen will be arranged in various shapes and sizes at metro stations based on the character of each station. “While in some cases, an image will be blown up to cover an entire wall, there will be framed photographs of varying sizes as well,” said KMRL sources.
The photographs will be arranged thematically at the stations. For instance, the Aluva station will showcase the natural beauty of Kerala with special focus on the Western Ghats, Periyar, and other rivers. Western Ghats will be an overriding theme in 11 out of the 16 stations, with the Pulinchodu station to be bedecked by the State’s flora and fauna.
While the Companyppady station will feature hills and peaks, snails and snakes will adorn the Ambattukavu station. Birds will be featured at the Mutton station, while fishes and flowers will be on display at Pathadipalam and Palarivattom. Monsoon, waterfall, and waterbodies will adorn the Kaloor station, and dragonflies and butterflies will be the themes at Lissie. The Maharaja’s College Ground station will have its walls adorned by images of endangered species and mammals.
The maritime history of Kerala will get the pride of place at the Cusat station, while spices and crops will dominate at Edappally. Cultural and artistic heritage will be showcased at Changampuzha Park station, while the sporting heritage of Kerala will be on display at the Kaloor International Stadium station. The Maharaja’s College Ground station will also take visitors through the history of Ernakulam.
