KMRL, auto unions to form company

15,000 autorickshaws to join scheme

Unauthorised auto stands along narrow roads in Kochi are obstructing the movement of vehicles and pedestrians. A scene from Deshabhimani Road.

In its bid to improve the integration of public transport systems in the city, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will form a company or society with all autorickshaw unions in the greater Kochi and Goshree areas.

The company will be managed by the District Autorickshaw Union Co-ordination Committee, which will be responsible for rules and regulations and bylaws.

The unions have agreed to hold meetings with the local units to pass on the vision of the initiative and present various perspectives to fellow owners before May 10, according to a press release issued by KMRL.

Big change

“Kochi has more byroads and service roads than main roads. The best way to bring people to public transport through these roads is to encourage them to use autorickshaws. Connecting autos to our public transport system will bring about a revolutionary change in city traffic,” said Elias George, Managing Director, KMRL.

GPS tracking

The proposed system will be made capable of enabling GPS tracking, mobile journey planner, and smart card ticketing, all of which will make the journey hi-tech, safe, and easy for commuters.

The unions will hold meetings with KMRL and technical partners on May 2. The co-ordination committee will hold further discussions before May 30 to decide whether a society or company should be formed.

As many as 15,000 autorickshaws will join the scheme and work as a single professional operating unit, the press release said.