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Ernakulam is on the cusp of a significant milestone in its urban transport narrative as Prime Minister Narendra Modi is set inaugurate the Tripunithura Terminal, marking the completion of Kochi Metro's first phase, on March 6. This event is anticipated to enhance the city's public transportation system and contribute to its urban development.
The inauguration ceremony is scheduled to start at 9.45 am at the newly constructed Tripunithura Terminal Station, where the Prime Minister will flag off the Metro service online from Kolkata at 10 am. The first journey from this terminal will be a special one, carrying differently-abled children from Tripunithura to Aluva station. Following this inaugural run, the Metro service will be opened to the public on the same day, making it a landmark event in Kochi's urban life.
Fare and Facilities at Tripunithura Terminal
With the extension of the Metro service, an approved ticket price from Aluva to Tripunithura Terminal has been set at Rs 75. However, to celebrate the inauguration, passengers will enjoy a discounted fare of Rs 60, the current fare from Aluva to SN Junction, despite the additional station. This discounted fare is to remain in effect until further notice, offering commuters a cost-effective transportation option.
The Tripunithura station is not just a transit point but a cultural hub, featuring a Dance Museum that showcases sculptures of various Kerala dance forms. This museum, set to open to the public soon, along with murals depicting scenes from Attachamayam on the station pillars, underscores the efforts to integrate the rich heritage of Rajanagari into the metro station's design, including the seats and lights.
Technical and Design Innovations
The construction of the Tripunithura station represents a blend of modernity and tradition, covering an area of 1.35 lakh square feet, with 40,000 square feet dedicated to generating non-ticket revenue. Notably, the station features the use of open web girder Sankeika Vidya, a first for Kochi Metro, in the 60-meter section connecting SN Junction and Tripunithura stations. The completion of Phase 1-B, spanning 1.16 km from SN Junction Station to Tripunithura Terminal Station, is a testament to the project's meticulous planning and execution.
With the entire first phase, the Kochi Metro now stretches over 28.125 km, connecting Aluva to Tripunithura across 25 stations. The total expenditure for this phase, inclusive of land acquisition and construction costs, has amounted to Rs 448.33 crore. This significant investment underscores the government's commitment to enhancing urban mobility and quality of life in Kochi.
The inauguration of the Tripunithura Terminal Metro Station is a momentous occasion for Kochi, inviting all to witness the new chapter in the city’s transport infrastructure. The integration of cultural elements into the station's design and the provision of a discounted fare for the inaugural period reflect a thoughtful approach to making public transportation an enriching and accessible experience for the community.
