Latest news with #LoknathBehera
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
State government likely to approve Kochi light tram feasibility study soon
Close on the heels of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) forwarding a proposal to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to conduct a feasibility study to operate light trams in the 6.20-km M.G. Road-Menaka-Park Avenue Road-Jos Junction-M.G. Road-Thevara loop-line corridor, the long-overdue approval of the State government is expected in a week's time for the proposal, it is learnt. Light trams are an improvised version of the bus rapid transport (BRT) system. This was mulled as a loop line of Kochi metro in April last year following a meeting that was held here between Kochi metro officials and their counterparts from HESS Green Mobility, which implemented the light tram services in Brisbane and many other parts of the world. The State's approval is critical for the final nod from the Centre, especially since the Centre is expected to bear the cost of the feasibility study for the first such project in India to operate light trams through a largely-elevated corridor. The State sought details like project estimates, which KMRL provided. Even as the State's approval is awaited, the metro agency has done a bulk of the groundworks to save on time. It is estimated that the mass rapid transport system (MRTS) can be readied at one fourth the cost of the conventional metro rail system, with negligible land acquisition, reliable sources said. The proposal comes at a time when the completion of Kochi metro's 11.20-km-long Kakkanad extension is caught in uncertainty primarily due to the inordinate delay in getting the approximately ₹1200-crore loan that was awaited from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). KMRL had earlier said that the metro's Thripunithura terminal station could be linked with the proposed terminal station of the Kakkanad extension at Infopark by way of a tram network considering the minimal investment in capital and also for land acquisition. KMRL managing director Loknath Behera said that the metro agency had sent a letter to the State government, citing the need for the State's approval in order to get the Centre's nod. 'The State's approval is critical for the Centre to approve and also fund the feasibility study for the light tram service in Kochi. As for a tram service between the metro's terminal stations at Thripunithura and Infopark, it ought to be read with the demand for a conventional metro system in the corridor,' he added. The conclusion of a feasibility study to operate light trams in the 6.2-km MG Road-Menaka-Park Avenue Road-Jos Junction-MG Road-Thevara loop-line corridor is expected to be followed by the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for the purpose, it is learnt. Apart from improving patronage in Kochi metro, this would benefit people from Thevara and the densely populated West Kochi region. It would also help link the metro's M.G. Road Station with the Water Metro's High Court terminal. As per estimate, a three-coach electric hybrid light tram having 25-metre length can carry up to 240 passengers. They can be fully recharged in six minutes, while such An MRTS can be readied at less than one-fourth the cost of the conventional metro rail system if its coaches are manufactured in India.
Time of India
24-06-2025
- Time of India
Kochi Metro introduces new student pass with increased rate
1 2 3 4 Kochi: Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has introduced a new student pass system, with higher fares, despite mounting pressure from student organizations and educational institutions, demanding a return to the earlier system. The new system, which will come into effect on July 1, offers a 30-day travel package for Rs 1,100. The pass provides 50 trips between any two stations and a 33% discount on the average/mean trip fare. The cost for a three-month package is Rs 3,000. The earlier Vidya-45 pass allowed 50 trips for Rs 495 with a validity of 45 days. Additionally, there were unlimited travel passes — Vidya-1 priced at Rs 50 for one day and Vidya-30 at Rs 900 for a month. These passes were withdrawn at the beginning of this year, sparking protests. You Can Also Check: Kochi AQI | Weather in Kochi | Bank Holidays in Kochi | Public Holidays in Kochi "With an average/mean trip cost of Rs 33, students would normally spend Rs 1,650 for 50 trips. Our new student pass at Rs 1,100 provides a substantial saving of Rs 550, making Kochi Metro one of the most student-friendly metros in India," said KMRL managing director Loknath Behera. According to KMRL authorities, the new student pass will be available for purchase at all Kochi Metro stations from July 1. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like Cuối cùng, chơi miễn phí game chiến thuật hay nhất 2025! Sea of Conquest Phát ngay Undo Valid student identification should be produced during purchase. Students may be required to show ID during travel to deter misuse, they said. The pass is non-transferable and will be available for students up to the age of 30, informed KMRL. Naveen Mathew, a member of the KSU Cochin University unit, said the hike may badly affect the students who avail the offer. "The old pass system was beneficial to many. The increased rate may invite protest," he said. Ebencer Chullikkad of the Kochi Metro Passengers Association also demanded KMRL reinstate the Vidya-45 pass system. "Vidya-45 offered a discount of Rs 10 per trip and it has now increased to Rs 22, which cannot be agreed upon," he said. Kochi Metro authorities said its new pass system offers a higher discount than Nagpur (30%), Pune (30%) and Hyderabad (10%). They said the widespread misuse of student passes, which drastically affected revenue, forced KMRL to increase student pass rates. "Vidya-45 was introduced as a promotional scheme after Covid, to bring back passengers to metro trains. We can't continue such a scheme forever, incurring a huge loss in farebox revenue," said a KMRL official.
NDTV
29-05-2025
- Business
- NDTV
Water Metro In Mumbai, Other Places Soon? What Head Of Kochi Project Said
New Delhi: The Water Metro in Kochi has been successful and the Centre is now planning to start the ferry transportation system in 21 other places, the project's Managing Director Loknath Behera has said. Speaking exclusively to NDTV on Thursday, Mr Behera said the places where the system is likely to be introduced include Goa, Ahmedabad, Srinagar, Lakshadweep and Guwahati, and a feasibility study in Mumbai has already been completed. Mr Behera, who is the Managing Director of Kochi Water Metro, said the system is cheaper and more sustainable than other means of transportation. "It also causes very little pollution and is much cheaper than Metro rail projects. Kochi Metro has 20 electric boats as of now, and our target is to increase the fleet to 78. Building the boats takes some time and they are being manufactured by the Cochin Shipyard," he said. "The Union Shipping ministry wants to start Water Metro projects, on the lines of the Metro Railway, at 21 places in the country. We have completed the feasibility study in Mumbai and similar studies are being undertaken in the other places, including Goa, Ahmedabad and Guwahati," he added. The Kochi Water Metro began operations in April 2023 and has ferried over 40 lakh people in two years. "Our boats are always full. People are enjoying using them... Launching the service in other places will have its challenges, but that is what the feasibility study is for. The state governments will also have to be involved. You may see Kochi-like Water Metro services in other places in three to four years," he said.
The Hindu
12-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KMRL plans to introduce boat services in Edappally, Chilavannoor canals
With the State government recently granting administrative approval for the ₹3,716-crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project — aimed at widening, dredging, and making six canals in Kochi navigable — Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), which will implement the project, has announced plans to introduce boat services in Edappally and Chilavannoor canals. Boat services have been planned at 30-minute intervals along a newly navigable 11.5-km stretch from Muttar to Chitrapuzha via the Edappally canal. A fleet of 10 new boats, each with a vertical clearance of 3.5 metres, will be introduced for the purpose, according to the metro agency. Metro-Water Metro connectivity 'In addition, Water Metro ferries operating on the Vyttila–Thevara route will use the revitalised Chilavannoor canal to provide access to Elamkulam metro station, enhancing integration between multiple modes of transport. Aimed at promoting tourism and recreation, a Marine Drive-model waterfront is being planned along the canal featuring landscaped walkways and water sports facilities. The area is expected to become a new recreational hub, promoting wellness among the public,' said Loknath Behera, managing director, KMRL. 'The IURWTS will rejuvenate canals with water transport, walkways, and water sports activities, ease monsoon flooding, and help address persistent waste management issues in Kochi,' added Mr. Behera. Under the project, six major canals — Perandoor, Chilavannoor, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market canal — will be deepened, widened, and beautified. The rejuvenated canals will have a minimum width of 16.5 metres, while walkways and green spaces will be developed along their banks, according to the agency. A new 90-metre-long bridge on Bund Road and the reconstruction of a bridge on Subash Chandra Bose Road near the Chilavannoor canal will streamline water flow and help reduce flooding during the monsoon, said metro sources. 'Alongside this, four sewage treatment plants have been mulled at Elamkulam, Vennala, Perandoor, and Muttar. The ₹1,325-crore project is being executed by KMRL in collaboration with the Kerala Water Authority. This integrated approach will enhance mobility, reduce flooding, and help reinvent Kochi's identity as a water-centric urban haven, they added.
New Indian Express
12-05-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi Metro to transform canals with new boats, tourism initiatives
KOCHI: In a groundbreaking move that integrates urban regeneration, transportation and tourism, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) plans to transform the city's canals into vibrant corridors of connectivity and recreation. With the state government's administrative approval for the Rs 3,716.10-crore Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS), Kochi is poised for a historic leap in urban development. 'I'm delighted that the state government has approved this transformative initiative. The project will not only alleviate monsoon flooding and address the persistent waste management issues in Kochi but also rejuvenate our historic canals with water transport, walkways, and water sports facilities,' said Loknath Behera, Managing Director of KMRL. The initiative involves the deepening, widening, and beautification of six major canals — Perandoor, Chilavannur, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market Canal. All canals will be upgraded to a minimum width of 16.5 metre. Aesthetic walkways and green spaces will be developed on both banks, turning these stretches into scenic urban assets.
