Click it and Unblock the Notifications
Kochi is planning to launch a new and first-of-its-kind light tram system to improve travel in areas where metro trains cannot reach. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) board has approved the start of this project, which was first suggested last year. This step brings Kochi closer to a better and cheaper transport system that is also friendly to the environment.
Feasibility study to begin soon
The KMRL board has agreed to begin a feasibility study for the light tram system. They will now send a request to the Kerala government for approval and financial help. A top KMRL official said that Kochi is under consideration and the first suggested route is 6.2 km long, running from MG Road to High Court and Thevara via Shanmugham Road.
Cheaper than metro systems
The light tram system is much more affordable than a regular metro. While it costs around Rs 300 crore per kilometre to build a metro line, a light tram needs only Rs 75 crore per kilometre. If the trams are made in India, the cost could be even lower. The KMRL official said this makes the tram a better option for a state like Kerala, which is facing financial challenges.
Study by Swiss firm HESS Green Mobility
A Swiss company called HESS Green Mobility, known for running light trams in cities like Brisbane, Australia, has already studied the plan. They gave a report that listed several possible routes in Kochi, such as a loop from MG Road to Thevara and Marine Drive. The report has been submitted to the board, and now the official study will begin soon.
Modern, fast and flexible transport
The light tram is a smart and easy-to-use transport system. It can run on roads, flyovers, or even underground. Each tram will be 25 metres long with three coaches and can carry up to 240 passengers. These electric-hybrid trams charge in just six minutes and can travel up to 45 km on one charge. They do not require platforms with stairs, making it easier for passengers to board.
D Dhanuraj, chairman of the Kochi-based Centre for Public Policy Research, welcomed the plan. He said that making these trams locally will further reduce costs. HESS Green Mobility already has a bus factory in Bengaluru, which can help with local production. He also said that a well-planned transport system should allow city buses and light trams to work together, helping people move around easily.
Kochi's plan for light trams could become a model for other Indian cities looking for smart and affordable transport solutions.
