KOCHI: As part of exploring non-ticket revenue sources, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is all set to put up for sale the kiosks at all stations through a public auction to be held on October 10.
The KMRL authorities, with the help of an architect, have prepared two designs for the kiosks. The kiosks to come up at JLN station will have a unique design and all of them will be earmarked for sports-related shops like sports apparels, sports medicines, etc. The kiosks at all the other stations will have a uniform design, KMRL managing director Loknath Behera said.
Behera said an announcement regarding slashing of ticket rates will soon be made. Most of those who took part in a recent survey have demanded a reduction in ticket rates.
TOI had earlier reported that the ticket rates will be slashed soon. On Gandhi Jayanthi Day, passengers will be offered 50% concession on fares. Free rides will be extended to people with disabilities from October 2 while those accompanying them will be given 50% concession, Behera said.
During the survey, it was suggested that students and employees of corporate firms, among others, should also be given concessions. These suggestions will also be considered favourably, Behera said.
Passenger turnout in the non-peak hours (11am-4pm) has been very low. So, suggestions have been put forward to offer concessions to attract more passengers during these hours. Homemakers who would go for shopping at these hours can also be given concessions, he said.
On Kakkanad extension of the Metro, Behera said preparatory works have been gathering momentum. The Union government prefers Light Metro and so there is a rethink on whether Metro should be extended to Nedumbassery or Light Metro would be enough to connect the Kochi airport to the Aluva Metro station, he said, adding: “Personally, I prefer the extension of the Metro to Nedumbassery, not Light Metro,” Behera said.
