(Deepshikha Gautam, Intern Journalist) Kochi: The Kochi Metro has decided to allow commuters to take their bicycle inside the metro free of cost in view of the increase in bicycle usage across the city. According to officials, the Kochi Metro will initially allow the entry of bicycles from six stations including Changampuzha Park, Palarivattom, Town Hall, Ernakulam South, Maharaja College, and Elamkulam Metro stations. Currently, entry and exit will be limited to these six stations.
The Kochi Metro will consider passenger diversion and if there is a huge demand for passengers’ bicycles, then this service will be extended to all stations as well. Kochi Metro MD, Additional Chief Secretary Alkesh Kumar Sharma said, ‘We have allowed bicycles inside the metro to promote end-to-end connectivity with non-motorized modes and encourage healthy lifestyles. People are aware of the importance of fitness and exercise. This will encourage people to use the bicycle for their daily commute.’
Bicyclists can use the lift at the station. Assistance will be given by the employees for entry into trains. Passengers can place bicycles on either side of the train. Meanwhile, Kochi Metro has introduced a feeder service from Kalamassery to Kakkanad to increase last-mile connectivity.
The service will be available for the collectorate from Kalamassery metro station. This will help people to go to the collectorate in Kakkanad for all their work using seamless connectivity of metro and feeder services. The service will start from Kalamassery metro station at 9:30 am and from Kakkanad at 5 pm. Currently, a Tempo Traveler is organized to ease the service. Kochi Metro has also started auto-rickshaw service at Vyttila metro station. The metro has laid down 12 routes from Vyttila for the benefit of passengers.
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