Finalising themes for Kochi metro’s major stations is in its final lap, with the Metro’s customer-experience consultant Tata Elxsi suggesting area-specific themes.
For example, Kalamassery station is likely to have motifs of industrial units running through the interiors, while education could run through the Cusat Junction station. Similarly, the Edapally station might have shopping as the theme and the one near Changampuzha Park is expected to come live with Kerala’s art, culture and literary icons. Sporting will most likely be the theme for international-stadium station.
“The aim is to help commuters and tourists be aware of the significance of each locale in the 18-km-long Aluva-Maharaja’s College Ground corridor. There might also be ‘mood boards’ where commuters can display their creative works for a fixed period,” Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) sources said. There are 16 stations in the corridor.
In addition, the consultant has suggested sprucing up of each station with vertical garden and water curtain wall, to further enliven the premises. A standardised station design having a dynamic theme (like ripples) too is being finalised, to make them aesthetically appealing.
Each station is also expected to be a major source of non-metro revenue for KMRL. “A report on optimising alternative revenue sources for the metro from stations would be finalised by August-end,” sources said.
Tata Elxsi is in the process of identifying commercial space which is most visible in each station. Based on this, PricewaterhouseCoopers (metro’s revenue-generation advisor) would advise KMRL on how to optimally generate revenue from the space by establishing kiosks, ATM, display boards etc.. The 1.5-metre high platform screen doors will turn out to be another space for displaying advertisements.
“Delhi Metro has established two IT parks to mobilise additional revenue, while Bangalore Metro banks on advertisement revenue,” the sources said.
On its part, Urban Mass Rapid Transit Company (UMTC) would submit a report on making optimal use of exterior space and how best to integrate different commuting modes with metro station as a focal point. Plans are being drawn out to relocate bus stops, autorickshaw stands etc., nearer to metro stations.
