Page 91 - HUDCO Award for Best Practices - 2024

THEME: URBAN TRANSPORT

LESSONS LEARNED

Proposal and establishment of such a system shall be with due consideration to available resources and geography of the intended
location. The need of the end consumers or the actual commuters to be clearly understood. The exact replica of one system might
not work on the other side, hence thorough studies are required for ascertaining the exact needs and demand. The system envisaged
shall be adaptable for future demands since technology is evolving day by day and wherever possible manual intervention shall
remain reduced. This shall bring in faster resolutions and uniformity in decisions. And above all, suitable repair and maintenance
infrastructure shall be established as part of project implementation, which will largely reduce the burden and cash outflow during
operational phase. As is the case with any metro system, development and implementation of alternate revenue models has to be
planned well ahead of operational commencement. Collaboration with places of public interest, private charter and tour services,
leasing out of spaces, introduction of seasonal travel passes can all add up to total ridership figures. Addition of feeder services to
connect most remote areas, integration with other transport modes, ticketing using smart interoperable travel cards, etc. will add
value to the concept. Utilization of green energy initiatives will add to overall project sustainability.
REFERENCES

Image: Kochi Water Metro project was dedicated to the nation by the Hon’ble Prime Minister of India Shri Narender Modi
on 25 April, 2023 in the gracious presence of the Chief Minister of Keral, Shri Pinarayi Vijayan
th

Image: Another view of the Inauguration ceremony of the project

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