The Muttom Metro village as well as the Kakkanad Metro city will be incorporated along with the 22 Metro stations in the green concept plan of the Kochi Metro, said Elias George, MD of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL).
He said the Kochi Metro is striving to be the cleanest among the Metro rails, at a press conference here on Monday. “The Muttom metro village will be constructed under the green energy concept. High-level meetings are being convened with several agencies to study the methods on making the concept a reality,” he said. The building plan for the 22 stations is still in the making. “It is too early to comment. However, the salient features of the stations include the use of natural light and air and low dependence on artificial air-conditioning. Also, we plan to decrease the energy application for the construction of the Metros. Solar panels will be constructed on Metro trains and water will be recycled,” he said
The KMRL is in the process of deciding whether all stations or prominent ones should have cultural themes.
The use of more non-motorised mode of transport, including cycles, for commuting to Metro stations will be promoted. The KMRL is finding it difficult to locate cycle bays in the city. “However, we are identifying some space for the same and will be incorporating the plan in Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA). We are making a planting plan on the species to be grown. Due to the paucity of space, we are looking at parks and roadsides. The Mayor has shown interest in providing space at the Subhash Park. We are also looking out for organisations willing to maintain the trees, for it cannot be undertaken by KMRL,” he said.
The KMRL will also set up cost-effective reflective signages in several spots of the city.