Kochi: The commencement of metro commercial services beyond Vytilla is expected to finally have a major impact on city traffic pattern with a major section of private vehicle users is likely to depend on the modern transport system.
While the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) expects the daily ridership to go up from 40,000 to 60,000 in a couple of months, a number of two-wheeler and private car users are expected to switch over to metro train services.
Traffic and transportation research institute National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac) has announced a plan study on the impact of metro services in reducing traffic flow into city areas and back.
“Unlike the Aluva-Maharajas College section, the 5.65-km new line to Thykoodam will facilitate potential passengers escape traffic congestion and save time,” said a senior Natpac official.
“Potential passengers from eastern parts of the district and near-by satellite towns are expected to depend on metro services from Vytilla or South railway stations to proceed further to the city and back,” the official said.
As per the 2006 Natpac study, the Sahodaran Ayyappan Road (from Vytilla to city areas) was the second most congested road with a traffic volume of 37, 211 PCUs (passenger car unit) after Banerjee Road. Vytilla is the busiest junction across the state with one lakh PCUs a day.
About 650 buses operate on nearly 160 routes originating from 60 locations scattered all over the city. The buses contribute about 14 per cent of vehicular traffic and carry 73 per cent passenger traffic. The share of cars in terms of vehicular trips is about 38 per cent carrying 15 per cent of passengers. Two wheelers contribute 35 per cent of vehicular traffic and 8 per cent of passenger traffic.
Starting Wednesday, the metro covers a distance of 23.65 kms from Aluva to Thykoodam. Five new stations – Ernakulam South, Kadavanthra, Elam-kulam, Vytilla and Thykoodam, are added to the line.
