KOCHI / AMN
Prime Minister Narendra Modi today inaugurated the Kochi Metro and took a ride in the Metro from Palarivattom station to Pathadippalam station. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and E Sreedharan popularly known as Metro man also travelled with Mr Modi.
Speaking at the inaugural ceremony held at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium premises, the Prime Minister said, Kochi Metro Rail Limited is a 50-50 Joint Venture of Centre and the Kerala government. He said, the Union Government has so far released over 2000 crore rupees for the project. Prime Minister said, the coaches reflect ‘Make in India’ vision.
He said, they have been built by Alstom near Chennai and have an Indian component of around 70 percent. Calling the Kochi Metro as an example of Public transport model, the Prime Minister said, this is a zero carbon emitting project. He said, all of its stations have achieved environmental clearance of platinum level. Mr Modi said, Kochi, the queen of Arabian Sea was once an important spice trading centre and today it is known as the commercial capital of Kerala.
The Prime Minister said during the last three years, his government has laid special emphasis on development of infrastructure areas. He said, efforts were made to strengthen public transport in urban areas. This has resulted in increased land values.
The Prime Minister said, there is need to bring about a paradigm shift in urban planning by adopting a people-centric approach and integrating land-use and transport. He said, rail and road transport are government’s priority areas. Mr Modi said, the Centre is focusing on next generation infrastructure, which includes logistics, digital and gas.