Kochi : In a bid to enhance first and last-mile connectivity, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) is set to introduce 15 new electric buses on four major routes connecting metro stations, with a primary focus on the Aluva-Airport corridor. This strategic move aims to bolster commuter convenience and reduce the city’s carbon footprint.
Previously, feeder buses were operated by leasing vehicles from various companies, such as Kleen Smart Bus Ltd (KSBL). However, KMRL is now rolling out its own fleet of e-buses and is in discussions with the Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for the operation of these feeder services. “Comfy Volvo buses with 32 seats will be introduced in the next three months. Five of the buses will be deployed on the 12-km-long Aluva-Kochi Airport route, where there is already strong commuter patronage. The ridership on the route has increased to an average of 1,300 passengers per day,” a senior KMRL official stated.
The implementation of these new services is contingent upon the establishment of adequate charging infrastructure at key metro stations. “We expect to have the new feeder buses operational within three months, but ensuring sufficient power supply is a challenge. We are in the process of setting up charging points at metro stations and are in talks with the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) to draw power from its transformers. The solar energy we produce is sufficient only for station operations,” the official added.
The lease agreement with bus operators like KSBL has recently been renewed for only three months, a departure from the usual one-year term. “Typically, the contract lasts for one year, but this time it has been extended only for three months. KMRL is planning to deploy and operate its own buses,” noted a KSBL official, whose company currently operates a CNG feeder bus on the Aluva-Airport section.
Presently, two e-buses are already in operation on this route by Chakra Cynergy Pvt Ltd. The initial electric bus service connecting Aluva Metro station with Kochi Airport was launched in 2020. Feeder services are available every 30 minutes, starting from 6:30 am and concluding at 10:00 pm. Meanwhile, ongoing negotiations between KSRTC and KMRL over the operation of electric feeder buses have yet to reach a consensus. “According to the agreement, KMRL will purchase the buses, and KSRTC will operate the services. Four major routes have been identified, but the schedules are still being finalised. A final revenue-sharing agreement is also pending,” a senior KSRTC official commented.
The identified routes for the new electric buses include Kaloor-Elamakkara (via Puthukalavattom), Tripunithura-Mulanthuruthy, Vyttila-Kundannoor-Thoppumpady-MG Road circular, and the existing Aluva-Kochi Airport route. “If the terms of operation are finalised, we plan to operate the Aluva-Airport service from Aluva KSRTC stand, which will also cater to railway commuters. Currently, the feeder buses operate from Aluva Metro station,” the KSRTC official added.
