Ten things to know about Kochi Metro

The crowded city of Kochi is all set to get de-congested with the metro rail hoped to provide relief from un-ending traffic jams. Prime Minister Narendra Modi will be inaugurating the mass transit system in just a few hours. 
Kochi Metro is claimed to be the country's first integrated multi-model transport system. It is expected to improve regional connectivity and ease the traffic congestion in Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Kochi Metro is claimed to be the country's first integrated multi-model transport system. It is expected to improve regional connectivity and ease the traffic congestion in Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
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The 13-km metro is the eighth in India to be made operational. Here the metro can be seen running alongside a long-distance train in the background in Kochi. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
The 13-km metro is the eighth in India to be made operational. Here the metro can be seen running alongside a long-distance train in the background in Kochi. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
There are 22 stations on the Kochi Metro route starting from Aluva, a town near the city, and heading right into the urban centre of MG road and covering tranport hubs like Vytilla and hip areas like Edapally where the popular Lulu Mall is located. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
There are 22 stations on the Kochi Metro route starting from Aluva, a town near the city, and heading right into the urban centre of MG road and covering tranport hubs like Vytilla and hip areas like Edapally where the popular Lulu Mall is located. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Selfie with the Metro: The Kochi Metro is unique in that its doors open to the sound of the classical Kerala percussion instrument - the Chenda. There will be free Wi-Fi too on the coaches and the stations. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Selfie with the Metro: The Kochi Metro is unique in that its doors open to the sound of the classical Kerala percussion instrument - the Chenda. There will be free Wi-Fi too on the coaches and the stations. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
The metro can accommodate 975 passengers, of which 140 can be seated. Smart cards and computerised paper tickets will be issued through automatic fare collection kiosks and counters. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
The metro can accommodate 975 passengers, of which 140 can be seated. Smart cards and computerised paper tickets will be issued through automatic fare collection kiosks and counters. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
A Kochi Metro pilot is seen in action on a test ride. To connect other parts of the city and neighbouring districts to and from the Metro, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has planned to operate air-conditioned feeder bus services. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
A Kochi Metro pilot is seen in action on a test ride. To connect other parts of the city and neighbouring districts to and from the Metro, the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation has planned to operate air-conditioned feeder bus services. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Apart from bus services, the metro is also planning to offer ferry services to connect to the 10 islands of Kochi. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Apart from bus services, the metro is also planning to offer ferry services to connect to the 10 islands of Kochi. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Solar power will be used to meet one-fourth of the Metro's electricity needs. Solar panels at all the 22 stations will generate 2.3 MW of power. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Solar power will be used to meet one-fourth of the Metro's electricity needs. Solar panels at all the 22 stations will generate 2.3 MW of power. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
The longest first phase of any Metro to become operational, it was completed in a record time of 45 months. The highest time taken was for Mumbai Metro at 75 months, with Chennai at 72 months and Bangalore and Delhi completed at a faster rate of 50 months each. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
The longest first phase of any Metro to become operational, it was completed in a record time of 45 months. The highest time taken was for Mumbai Metro at 75 months, with Chennai at 72 months and Bangalore and Delhi completed at a faster rate of 50 months each. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Kochi Metro's workforce would comprise 80 per cent  women. It is also the first state-owned company to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring transgenders as part of the team. (Albin Mathew | EPS)
Kochi Metro's workforce would comprise 80 per cent women. It is also the first state-owned company to be an equal opportunity employer, hiring transgenders as part of the team. (Albin Mathew | EPS)

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