PM Narendra Modi takes the first ride on Kochi Metro along with CM Pinarayi Vijayan, governor P. Sathasivam and BJP Kerala chief Kummanam Rajasekharan Kerala's Pride Kochi Metro
» Kochi Metro begins its dream ride
» PM Modi takes the first ride on Kochi Metro along with CM Pinarayi, metro man E. Sreedharan
» PM Modi unveils metro commemorative plaque, dedicates Kochi Metro to the nation
» Crowd cheers as KMRL chief Elias George mentions metro man Sreedharan's name during welcome speech
» Union minister Venkaiah Naidu releases Kochi Metro's smart card
» CM Pinarayi unlocks new app of Kochi Metro
» Claimed to be the country's first integrated multi-modal transport system, it is expected to improve regional connectivity and ease the traffic congestion in Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala
PM Narendra Modi faced terror threat in Kerala, says DGP
Kochi: Prime minister Narendra Modi Saturday dedicated the first phase of Kochi Metro to the nation.
With metro man E. Sreedharan by his side, Modi also took a metro ride after he cut the inaugural ribbon at the rail network's Palarivattom station. Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan and governor P. Sathasivam joined him in Kochi Metro's first journey.
The PM enjoyed a ride on the Kochi Metro from Palarivattom to Pathadippalam. He returned to Palarivattom in the same train along with the dignitaries before proceeding to the stadium for the inauguration.
Check out our special site on Kochi Metro
Addressing the inaugural function at the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, Kaloor, Modi stressed the need to bring about a paradigm shift in urban planning by adopting a people-centric approach and integrating land use and transport.
"Over the last three years, my government has placed special focus on overall infrastructural development of the nation," Modi said.
Police bring Kochi under multi-tier security cover ahead of PM Modi's visit
Modi greets Keralites in Malayalam
The prime minister, who began his speech in Malayalam, said he was happy to be part of the inauguration of the Kochi Metro.
"I congratulate the people of Kochi on the proud moment," he said.
"Kochi, the queen of the Arabian Sea, was once an important spice trading centre. Today it is known as commercial capital of Kerala," the prime minister said.
Modi said another "noteworthy aspect" of the project is that nearly "1,000 women and 23 transgenders are being selected to work in the Kochi Metro Rail System".
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Prime minister Narendra Modi takes a ride on Kochi Metro along with Kerala governor P. Sathasivam and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Prime minister Narendra Modi takes a ride on Kochi Metro along with Kerala governor P. Sathasivam and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Prime minister Narendra Modi welcomed by governor P. Sathasivam and chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan.
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Kaloor stadium minutes before the prime minister's arrival. Photo: EV Sreekumar
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Kaloor stadium minutes before the prime minister's arrival. Photo: EV Sreekumar
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Kaloor stadium minutes before the prime minister's arrival. Photo: EV Sreekumar
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Kaloor stadium minutes before the prime minister's arrival. Photo: EV Sreekumar
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Kochi corporation mayor Soumini Jain inside the metro. Source : Public Relations Department
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Kerala chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan inside the loco pilot's cabin, at Aluva station. Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Pulinchodu metro station and track. Photo: Josekutty Panackal
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
Inside the Cochin University metro station. Photo: Robert Vinod
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Kochi's Pride Kochi Metro
A lighted up Kochi Metro in the rain. Photo: Robert Vinod
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In a tweet shortly after he completed a ride in the Metro, Modi said that it was a "futuristic infrastructure that will contribute to India's growth".
The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is a 50-50 joint venture of the Center and the state government. The Center has so far released over Rs 2,000 crore for the project.
"The coaches reflected 'Make in India' vision. They have been built by Alstom near Chennai and have an Indian component of around 70 percent," he said.
Metro’s ride through the hearts and minds of Keralites
Chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan said the state and central governments have been working together for the overall development of Kerala and have a good working relationship.
"When the time came to decide on whom to inaugurate this dream project of Kerala, we had no doubt and we wrote to the prime minister's office.
"Now that the PM has come and dedicated it to the nation, all those who tried to stir a controversy over the inauguration might be feeling at a loss. None can ever forget the role played by Sreedharan who turned the dream of Kerala into a reality," Pinarayi said.
Union urban development minister M. Venkaiah Naidu said it was the fastest developed metro completed in a record time of 45 months.
Regular operations from June 19
Kochi Metro, the flagship transportation infrastructure project of Kerala, will start its regular operations from June 19.
Check out the 10 novelties onboard Kochi Metro | Video
Leader of opposition in Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, K.V. Thomas, MP, and Kochi mayor Soumini Jain were among those present at the inaugural function.
In 2012, then prime minister Manmohan Singh had laid the foundation of the project on September 13 and the construction began in June, 2013, during the tenure of the previous Congress-led UDF government headed by Oommen Chandy, who was conspicuous by his absence Saturday.
The estimated completion cost of the Kochi Metro is Rs 5,181.79 crore.
The new transport system is expected to enhance the quality of life for the Greater Kochi metro area by improving regional connectivity and reducing overcrowding, traffic congestion.
