KMRL to deploy fleet of e-autos as metro’s feeder service
The Hindu
Faced with considerable flak for not readying a proper feeder network for last-mile connectivity, despite low passenger patronage and the widening revenue-expenditure gap, Kochi Metro Rail Limited is gearing up to deploy a fleet of electric autorickshaws from metro stations.
Faced with considerable flak for not readying a proper feeder network for last-mile connectivity, despite low passenger patronage and the widening revenue-expenditure gap, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is gearing up to deploy a fleet of electric autorickshaws from metro stations.
The tendering process is on, and a dedicated ride-hailing app, through which online payment is possible, is expected to be readied alongside. E-autos were preferred since they do not cause vibration and air and noise pollution, it is learnt.
Aimed at ensuring the safety of passengers and drivers, e-autos will have GPS-tracking feature. It will also help generate data on preferred routes.
The metro agency had been at the receiving end for not readying a feeder transport network, five years since the metro’s commissioning.
“Parameters such as the number of e-autos, their possible routes and parking space at each stations are being finalised. A total of 15 recharging points at five stations will shortly be readied. E-autos can also opt to recharge from kiosks set up by the KSEB. The recharging fee at metro stations will be compatible with that at KSEB kiosks and can be paid using a pre-paid card or through a mobile app. This fee will be utilised for the upkeep of the charging infra,” sources said.
The proposed induction of a fleet of e-autos comes after the metro agency’s tie-up with an e-auto manufacturer in which a dozen e-autos were inducted to operate from select metro stations. The initiative had failed to gather steam.
KMRL had earlier assured that electric and hydrogen-run buses would be inducted to operate feeder trips from metro stations along the 27-km Aluva-SN Junction metro corridor. This has not materialised yet.
In 2021, five women from Mayithara, four of them MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) workers, found a common ground in their desire to create a sustainable livelihood by growing vegetables. Rajamma M., Mary Varkey, Valsala L., Elisho S., and Praseeda Sumesh, aged between 70 and 39, pooled their savings, rented a piece of land and began their collective vegetable farming journey under the Deepam Krishi group.