Prime Minister Narendra Modi was a picture of delight as he travelled by the Kochi metro on the four-km Palarivattom-Pathadipalam corridor and back, prior to dedicating the project to the nation.
It is understood that E. Sreedharan and KMRL managing director Elias George briefed him about the unique features of the metro such as the Communication Based Train Control system, which would enable pilot-less travel in the near future. They also apprised him of the passenger capacity (up to 975 people a train) and commuting speed, etc.
Mr. Modi also evinced interest in the Kochi-1 pre-paid smart card that would enable cashless travel in the metro initially, and later on in other modes of public transport.
The expected deployment of 78 fast ferries under the Water metro scheme along the waterbodies in Kochi too figured in the chat.
Mr. Modi frequently waved his hands to acknowledge people who waved at him from rooftops of buildings on the stretch.
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In yet another instance, security guards of a shopping mall on the stretch lined up and saluted him.
After alighting from the train, Mr. Modi was seen taking a close look at elements from Kerala culture and natural beauty that were painted on the coach exteriors. “It was apparent from his conversation and body language that he enjoyed the metro ride,” Mr. George said. To a question on whether he preferred to quit after his four-and-a-half year stint heading the KMRL, he said he did not have immediate plans to do so as the Water metro was yet to gain shape.
