People waiting to board Kochi Metro at the Palarivattom station. Photo: OnmanoramaKottayam: Hardly a week after the glittering inauguration of Kochi Metro, the spanking new coaches and stations have already come under attack from the notorious Indian defacers. Alarmed by the crude graffiti on the pillars inside the stations and scraping of the fresh coat of paint, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited has decided to step up surveillance on cameras.
By the time the metro finished half a day of operations on Sunday, as many as 15 people were fined for violating rules. The authorities said 114 people have been fined so far for traveling more than they were entitled to or staying back in the stations for more time than allowed or for other offenses. The amount of money collected as fines has not been disclosed.
Also read: Riding the Kochi Metro
The pillars inside the Palarivattom and Pathadipalam stations have been scribbled on with sharp objects. Cleaning staff at all stations are struggling with bits of papers and rubbish strewn over the platforms. KMRL officials are a bit frustrated at the lack of civic sense despite sending out repeated reminders directly and through media.
“Soon after the first ride, we spotted tickets squeezed into the glasses panes of the coaches. We have stepped up efforts to make people aware of cleanliness and directed staff to be on alert. But nothing has changed,” a security officer in the Palarivattom station told Onmanorama.
Behave or you will be fined
Violation of rules on metro can cost you dearly. Authorities can charge you a fine for various offenses as per the Metro Act of 2002.
Scribbling or pasting posters inside the stations or the coaches can invite a fine of Rs 1,000. Anyone found boozing or eating food inside the stations or the coaches can be fined Rs 500. Littering, causing damage, speaking in bad language or annoying other passengers can also be fined Rs 500. So is the possession of prohibited substances.
If you try to walk on the track or sell unauthorized tickets, you will be fined Rs 500. Any action that halts the service will be charged with a fine of Rs 2,000.
You may be fined Rs 1,000 if you refuse metro employees’ demand to get out of the coach or the station. Preventing them from doing their duty also draws a similar fine. Misuse of the emergency alarm will be fined with Rs 1,000.
Ticketless passengers will be fined Rs 50.
