KOCHI: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has entrusted the School of Management Studies, Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT), with the preparation of the feasibility study report on the parking facilities at rail stations of the proposed Kochi Metro Rail.
The feasibility study will mainly focus on understanding the ridership (number of passengers who ride a public transport system) of all 23 stations including the two terminal stations and assessing the average number of two, three and four-wheelers which would require parking at the Metro Rail corridor.
The study is also intended to propose the layout for parking facilities with traffic circulation plan for each station. The School of Management Studies is expected to submit the report within three months. The preliminary report is likely to be completed within six weeks. The KMRL authorities said that the project report submitted by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) did not have specifications regarding parking facilities at the stations.
“But to avoid traffic congestion in the city, it is very important to provide parking facility at the metro stations. Hence, KMRL has decided to provide parking facility at stations wherever possible so as to encourage maximum population to take Metro Rail services. By providing ample parking facilities, we are integrating Personal Transport System with Mass Rapid Transit Systems. We will associate with School of Management Studies for the preparation of the feasibility study on parking facilities,” said KMRL managing director Tom Jose. Cusat’s School of Management Studies director P R Wilson said that they are privileged to collaborate with KMRL for this feasibility assessment.
“The proposed Metro Rail is expected to change the way people live in and experience this city. As one of the oldest management schools from Kochi, we believe that we better understand the psyche of this city and have a better perception regarding the requisites of the people live here,” he said.