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Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has launched a revised student pass system, effective from July 1, despite opposition from student groups and educational bodies. The new scheme offers a 30-day travel package for Rs 1,100, allowing 50 trips between any two stations with a 33% discount on the average fare. A three-month package is priced at Rs 3,000.
The previous Vidya-45 pass allowed students to make 50 trips for Rs 495 over 45 days. There were also unlimited travel options like Vidya-1 for Rs 50 per day and Vidya-30 for Rs 900 monthly. These passes were discontinued earlier this year, leading to protests.
Student Reactions and Concerns
Naveen Mathew from the KSU Cochin University unit expressed concerns that the increased rates might negatively impact students who rely on these passes. "The old pass system was beneficial to many. The increased rate may invite protest," he stated.
Ebencer Chullikkad of the Kochi Metro Passengers Association echoed similar sentiments, urging KMRL to bring back the Vidya-45 pass. He highlighted that the discount per trip has risen from Rs 10 to Rs 22, which is unacceptable.
Comparison with Other Cities
Kochi Metro officials claim their new student pass offers better discounts than those in Nagpur (30%), Pune (30%), and Hyderabad (10%). They argue that widespread misuse of previous passes severely impacted revenue, necessitating the rate hike.
"Vidya-45 was introduced as a promotional scheme after COVID, to bring back passengers to metro trains. We can't continue such a scheme forever, incurring a huge loss in farebox revenue," said a KMRL official.
Availability and Conditions
The new student pass will be available at all Kochi Metro stations starting July 1. Students must present valid identification when purchasing and may need to show it during travel to prevent misuse. The pass is non-transferable and available only for students up to age 30. KMRL managing director Loknath Behera explained that with an average trip costing Rs 33, students would typically spend Rs 1,650 for 50 trips. "Our new student pass at Rs 1,100 provides a substantial saving of Rs 550, making Kochi Metro one of the most student-friendly metros in India," he said.
The introduction of this new system aims to balance financial sustainability with providing affordable travel options for students. However, it remains to be seen how well it will be received by the student community amidst ongoing protests.
