Reports & Papers
CPPR has undertaken a passenger opinion survey as a part of ridership enhancement initiatives of Kochi Metro (Aluva- Maharajas College).
- The study was conducted in the Kochi Metro Neighbourhood Region (where the metro passes by), to identify, assess, and prioritise various measures to be taken by KMRL for improving the ridership of Kochi Metro.
- The study also determined and assessed the existing quality of Metro as a journey experience, passenger amenities/facilities, factors which may realise the potential ridership and ascertain its scope for further improvements.
A rapidly growing city makes ever-increasing demands on urban infrastructure in general and transportation amenities in particular. As the economy grows, more and more people need to travel on a daily basis for work within the city. This growth fuels the need for reliable, faster, sustainable and affordable transportation infrastructure. Kochi is no exception. It is a major port and commercial capital of the State with a Gross State Value Added (GSVA) growth rate of 8.47 per cent (at constant prices).1
Kochi witnessed a phase of rapid urbanisation from 1990 to 2000 leading to areas like Edapally, Kalamassery, Thrikkakara, Thripunithura changing into new urban centres. The period of 2000 to 2010 was one of diffusive growth. The trends indicate an expansion towards north and north-east.2 The main reason for urban growth towards the east (Kalamassery) is because of the IT sector and the special economic zone. The development of satellite towns like Aluva and Angamaly is the main reason for the urban growth towards north.
To address the needs of the growing commuting population, metro rapid transit was proposed as a solution. Within four years of starting the construction by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), the metro rail services (metro) were open for the public by 2017. KMRL has also taken the initiative with the stated objective ‘to make Kochi the first city in the country where the entire public transport system: the metro, the buses, the boats, the autorickshaws, and the taxies work together as a seamlessly integrated system; with a common timetable, common ticketing and centralised ‘command and control’.3 The metro corridor plans to connect 22 stations in a phase-wise manner. The stretch from Aluva to Maharaja’s College is operational (16 stations) and the construction work till Thykkoodam is in progress. This phase is expected to be completed soon. According to the Comprehensive Mobility Plan (CMP) for Greater Kochi Region, 2017, a total of 2,107,219 trips are generated daily. An analysis of average daily metro ridership for the last six months shows that 33,586 trips are made by metro. Assuming 2017 figures as applicable for the period of last six months, metro contributes 1.6 per cent of total trips.
Click here to read Kochi Metro Ridership Improvement Survey report.
This report is based on the ridership survey carried out by Centre for Public Policy Research, Kochi from January 17–22, 2019 assigned by Kochi Metro Rail Limited.
