Kochi Metro has initiated a pilot project by offering free internet services to its commuters on the metro train no.11 (Mandakini) on trial basis. The project is being conducted as a proof of concept in association with Worldshore, a company based in Trivandrum with expertise in IT/Wi-Fi services and the PM-Wani project.
- Metro commuters can connect to the Wi-Fi network named as “KMRL Free Wi-Fi” in the areas earmarked as Wi-Fi zones in these trains.
- Once connected to this Wi-Fi network, users can enjoy free Internet services after sign-up using their Mobile Number and OTP.
- If the project becomes a success with sufficient users, these services will be extended to all the metro trains.
- This project is a part of recent initiatives taken by Kochi Metro to provide better services to its passengers, utilising the latest technologies.
Solar Plant:
- A 824.1 KWP ground mounted solar plant was inaugurated for testing on 04.02.2022 at Kochi Metro’s Depot at Muttom by Sri Loknath Behera, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).
- With the opening of the new solar power plant, which will have panels installed over 8400 sqmtr, KMRL will be able to generate about 3000 units per day.
- With the addition of this plant KMRL is able to meet 42 per cent of its total power requirements by itself.
- KMRL is planning to produce an additional 2 MWp power by 2022 by setting up solar panels in the Muttom track area and nearby land area.
- With the commissioning of the above plant KMRL as on date is producing approximately 30000 units of solar energy per day.
- The above units are derived from three plants
- 2.670MWp which is installed over the station buildings from Aluva to Maharajas metro stations and Depot buildings which was commissioned in the year 2018.
- The solar units generated at that point of time was 9600KWh which represents 18% of KMRL’s total power consumption at that point of time.
- KMRL in the year 2019 installed and commissioned a ground mounted solar of 2.719MWp very close to Muttom depot and thus attained 40% Neutrality to its daily electrical power consumption since the trains operations at that point of time was till Maharajas college metro station.
Ongoing Projects:
- Presently a 3 MWp solar project is under construction and shall be commissioned by the end of April 2022.
- The unique veracity of these solar projects is its combination in installation of solar modules over station rooftop, ground mounted type and over depot track area accompanied with structural installation.
- Earlier 1.9MWp over the station rooftop beyond Maharajas metro station and some of the earlier stretch PD buildings and exit entry buildings were also commissioned.
- Based on this latest achievement, the total solar power plant commissioned as on date stands at 8.1 MWp. by commissioning of the remaining 3.1 MWp and with some new additional locations, KMRL shall have a total of 11.2 MWp solar plant commissioned by the end of April 2022.
- KMRL by its virtue of go green concept, profoundly adheres itself to a environmental friendly contributor and has visioned itself to become 100 % electrical energy neutral by installing more solar plants or thriving itself to more renewable energy from available resources/methods.
- These green energy initiative by commissioning of 11MWp solar plant contributes to improvement of the environmental conditions by reducing CO2 emission by about 3,53,625 tonnes annually, which is also equivalent to planting of 5,65,800 teak trees over the lifetime of the project.
- KMRL is committed towards sustainable development to decrease environmental degradation, to promote resource efficiency and to support measures that contribute to the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions such as carbon dioxide.
About Kochi Metro:
- The Kochi Metro is a rapid transit system serving the city of Kochi in Kerala, India.
- It is 13-km long and has been built at a cost of Rs. 5,181 crore.
- The Kochi metro project is the first metro in the country which connects rail, road and water transport facilities.
- Kochi metro also includes the technology for driverless trains and is hoping to implement this in the near future.
- KMRL has proposed an elevated route spanning 25 km (16 mi) from Aluva to Pettah with 23 stations.
- All platforms are 70 metres (230 ft) long.
- KMRL has developed a unique PPP model wherein the capital investment as well as the maintenance cost is taken care by a bank and in return the bank to have a co-branded card for Kochi Metro System.
Source: Kochi Metro-Update | Image Credit (representational): Kochi Metro
