According to Kochi Metro Rail Limited’s (KMRL) MD Loknath Behera, commuters will only need three minutes to reach the platforms of all nine Kochi metro stations planned for the 11.20-km phase two Kakkanad extension, as opposed to the five to six minutes it currently takes at stations constructed in phase one.
In response to requests from commuters to enable them to reach stations faster from the bottom floor, specialised elevators will be deployed for the purpose. This will be in addition to display boards at entry gates that show the anticipated time of the next train’s arrival (to reduce the amount of time passengers must wait for trains to arrive). All of these efforts, which are planned for the phase two extension, are passenger-friendly.
The general consultant has been made aware of these factors, and research is being done to learn more about the passenger-friendly systems used by metros across the world. Even elderly people would be able to board metro trains without difficulty because of the resulting ease of access. Additionally, there will be a sufficient quantity of drinking water kiosks, and all of the stations’ designs will be waterproof. Extra care is being taken to prevent flooding of roadways near stations, which is frequently seen in places like M.G. Road and Vyttila.
Given that many stations had substantial commercial spaces laying empty due to a lack of demand, the metro agency had previously claimed that stations in phase two would be sleeker than the ones in phase one. This would also assist in controlling construction costs.
