Propelling Kochi's global dreams

Kochi: Kochi Metro is by far one of the best metros in the world in terms of technology, social commitment and economic potential. It has become the symbol of Keralites’ aspirations, says Elias George, managing director, KMRL. Excerpts from an interview:    

The 24X7, no-holiday work culture of Metro was new to Kerala. How it will reflect in the state’s work culture? How it can be replicated in other mega development projects?
The Kochi Metro is till date the fastest completed metro project in the country. The project implementation followed protocols and procedures that are a few steps ahead of the project implementation protocols traditionally followed by state governments. There is a pressing need to modernise the infrastructure implementation rules, systems and procedures in the states. I have no doubt if the officials of the state government are given the same empowerment as is available to metro companies in India, there will be a sea change in the implementation pace of Kerala’s infrastructure projects.

Why is Kochi Metro a major milestone in the urban transport scenario of the state?
Kochi Metro is the flagship transportation infrastructure project of Kerala. It will bring tremendous benefits to the people in terms of better quality of life, enhanced investment possibilities in areas such as real estate, tourism, IT and industry, greater safety for women and children, extension of the day for work and leisure by providing easy transportation facilities into the night and more structured work culture and mobility culture centred around the precise timings of the Kochi Metro. Kochi Metro is tremendously improving the brand image of Kochi as a global city; it has already propelled it to the elite club of cities worldwide with modern transportation systems.

How significant is the Urban Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA)? Do you think the reluctance of various departments and authorities to relinquish their power will hit its smooth formation and functioning?
UMTA is largely necessary for ensuring citizens’ liveability and mobility in Kochi in the future. The use of car as an instrument for urban transportation is rapidly declining in advanced countries, and it is becoming increasingly difficult in Kochi. The only way to migrate people from cars to public transport is to make a system of public transport that is comfortable, convenient, smooth and seamless; and UMTA is a necessary requirement if this is to be done. Naturally certain departments may see a loss of their power and authority, and there will also be a migration of powers and functions from Thiruvananthapuram to Kochi once UMTA becomes a reality. However, I am confident that these are minor issues and UMTA will soon become operational on the ground.

What makes Kochi Metro different from other Metro systems in the country?
We are very proud of the fact that Kochi Metro stands out not just among other Indian cities, but also globally. Even though we are a small metro, it is my earnest belief that we have one of the best metro systems in the world, despite limitations like lack of land, lack of parking space, etc. Kochi is the first city in the country to have a communication based train control (CBTC) signalling system, which reduces the element of human interference in metro operations.

We have also tried to do a number of different things by including socially desirable objectives into the urban transportation system by providing livelihoods to around 1,000 women from disadvantaged families who are part of the Kudumbashree network in the city. We have also tried to undertake innovative experiments like putting up vertical gardens on every sixth pillar using recycled municipal waste, having solar panels on the metro system which can supply up to 25 per cent of the metro’s power requirement, theming our stations around Kerala’s natural beauty so that the metro system also becomes a tourist attraction by itself, etc.

We will also become one of the few cities in the world where the metro would extend into our water bodies once the water metro becomes a reality in around two years. Kochi Metro has become the icon for all Keralites and a symbol of their aspirations for a better tomorrow. We hope that the Kochi Metro project will lead to a number of similar initiatives, which can make way for a better tomorrow for our children.

What potential does Metro offer to tourism, real estate and industrial development?
Cities build metros despite their lack of profitability because of the collateral benefits that they bring in in areas such as tourism, real estate and industry, or what the economists call ‘positive externalities’. I have no doubt that the advent of the metro will make Kochi a global city, gaining a position in the global consciousness with immeasurable and unforeseeable benefits for Kerala.