The Kochi Metro will extend services till 11.30 pm on March 8 and resume service from 4.30 pm on March 9, Saturday, as part of the Sivaratri celebrations at the Aluva Manappuram. Both from the Aluva and Thripunithura Terminal stations, the services will be on till 11.30 pm. After 10.30 pm, the services will be at 30-minute intervals. As for the morning service of March 9, from 4.30 am to 6 am, the services will be in 30-minute intervals. The new arrangement is expected to benefit those coming to the city to write the UPSC exams as well. The ticket rate from Aluva to Thripunithura is Rs 60.

An opportunity to check out the new station
Those taking metro services on the days can also consider checking out the newly opened Thripunithura Terminal metro station. The 1.35 lakh sq feet station has three platforms, unlike most Kochi metro stations. It also has a VIP lounge, a big commercial space and more than 30 digital display boards. The station is decked up with a 'royal' theme, considering the historic importance of Thripunithura, which was the seat of the erstwhile Cochin royal family.

Metro pillars with 'Athachamayam' (the procession that starts Kerala's Onam celebrations) themed mural paintings welcome passengers to the station. Hand railings with traditional engravings, chandeliers, a big portrait of the erstwhile Kochi king Rajashri Rama Varma who initiated railway facilities in the region, a big entrance door filled with intricate wooden works, a dance museum featuring all traditional dance forms of Kerala offering free entry to passengers, a selfie point, seating arrangements with engravings and carvings... passengers can enjoy the 'royal touch' everywhere in the station.

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