In tune with its past campaigns, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has launched yet another campaign to increase ridership in metro, and encourage commuters to be punctual.
It aims to drive home the message that metro trains arrive on time at each station and commute very fast, since ‘it accords much value for each commuter’s time’. A similar campaign that ‘the gooseberry has turned sweet’ after the initial hiccups caused to road users when metro construction was on had won much acclaim. “The aim is to increase the number of passengers using the metro from the present daily average of 30,000,” said metro sources. The metro agency is also building elevated links to Lulu Mall, Chennai Silks, etc. from nearby stations to increase footfalls. “A couple of other firms too have sought direct link from metro stations to avail of ‘station interconnection’ provision,” they said. “All the 200-odd schedules of the metro run in the 18-km Aluva-M.G. Road corridor on time. While assuring them of a reliable and comfortable mode of travel, the innovative campaign intends to inculcate in people a culture of punctuality since our trains do not suffer delay of even a minute,” said Elias George, MD, KMRL.
Referring to interconnection between stations and nearby commercial establishments, he said that this will be a win-win situation for three key stakeholders - the establishments, commuters and KMRL. “All global metros have such links, to enable people to have direct access to prominent establishments. Commuters in many European metros can bring trolleys bearing merchandise directly to stations. We are open to such links with respectable firms,” he said.
The facility also lessens traffic chaos around malls like the one at Edappally Junction, where many roads converge. There is also steep increase in pedestrian movement on roads leading to such malls during weekends, holidays and on days when there are mega discount offers. This is apart from parking problems on premises of malls. Like in other metros, KMRL will levy ‘shadow charges’ on such firms based on the area occupied by the elevated link. The Railway has levied similar charges on KMRL for permitting the metro viaduct to cross over Ernakulam Junction railway station.
