Alstom will build 25 trains with three coaches each for the Kochi metro. Each train will have the capacity to carry 975 commuters.
By Ashraf Padanna/Kochi
French engineering major Alstom will supply the first sets of coaches for the Kochi Metro and the trial run will begin by the year end, officials said.
Urban Development Minister Venkaiah Naidu flagged off the manufacturing of coaches at Alstom’s plant in Andhra Pradesh’s Sri City yesterday as part of the federal government’s ‘make in India’ policy.
He unveiled a prototype of the car’s shell.
The company, which has also received contracts for signalling and other allied supplies, will build 25 trains with three coaches each for the metro here. Each train will have the capacity to carry 975 commuters.
“They have agreed to hand over the trains in 2015 itself. These trains will have all modern facilities and it’s going to be one of the best,” Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, who joined the ceremony from here through videoconferencing, said.
Alstom Transport managing director Bharat Salhotra said the order from Kochi Metro was the second stock contract after Chennai Metro.
“This reaffirms our commitment to provide 100% localised, competitive, innovative and high value products for our customers,” he said.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) managing director Elias George said the coaches would have the most modern technology with the prime focus on passenger comfort.
“KMRL expects that our rolling stock will be one of the fastest delivered coaches for any metro project in this country with the most modern design and advanced technology while also being cost effective. Efforts have been taken to enhance the customer experience to all possible aspects on the train,” he said.
Ladies’ seats will have a different colour and the physically challenged will get easy access on wheelchairs. Half of the staff would be women.
“The coaches built using the most modern technology will be energy efficient and they will reduce ecological impact,” George e said.
The commercial operations will begin in June, 2016. This will be one of the fastest developed metro in the country despite political controversies, labour issues and opposition to land acquisition.
The metro will have LED screens and Wi-Fi Internet accessibility. The passenger fare is expected to range between Rs15 and Rs30.
It has roped in Tata Elxsi to put in place facilities for passenger comfort on these coaches. Eventually, the trains will run without a driver as they will be fitted with highly advanced systems.
