Encouraged by the unprecedented success of last year's festive season, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and Kochi Water Metro Limited (KWML) are gearing up to significantly enhance their services during the final week of December. This strategic move aims to comfortably accommodate the massive surge in commuters expected during the Christmas and New Year celebrations.
Enhanced Metro Services for Safe and Smooth Travel
The flagship initiative involves extending metro services past midnight on New Year's Eve. The last train will depart from Edappally station at 1:00 AM, heading towards both terminal stations—Aluva and SN Junction. This extension is specifically designed to offer revellers a safe and reliable mode of transport to return home after the celebrations.
KMRL officials highlighted that the dual strategy of increasing train frequency and extending operational hours serves a critical purpose. It is expected to reduce congestion on city roads and help passengers avoid the notorious traffic snarls that plague Kochi during peak festive hours. The authorities will officially announce the revised timetable and specifics of the additional services in the coming days.
This enhancement is projected to be a major boon for various groups, including daily travellers, late-night workers, and the influx of tourists drawn to the city's series of Christmas and New Year events.
Record-Breaking Numbers Prompt Action
The decision is firmly backed by impressive ridership data from the previous year. In December 2023, Kochi Metro registered a record monthly ridership of 32.35 lakh commuters, generating a revenue of Rs 10.15 crore. This marked a significant jump from December 2022's figures of 29.59 lakh commuters and Rs 9.25 crore in revenue.
The demand was especially evident on New Year's Eve alone, when ridership touched 1.3 lakh. Witnessing a consistent upward trend over the past two Decembers, the Water Metro services are also preparing for a busy season.
Water Metro Joins the Festive Boost
Following the metro's lead, the Kochi Water Metro is set to increase its service frequency on the popular High Court–Fort Kochi route. This corridor has already seen a steady rise in passenger numbers over the past week, prompting authorities to consider deploying two additional boats during the holiday period.
Currently, KWML operates more than 30 trips daily on this route, with the last boat departing at 8:10 PM. Officials have indicated that the timing of the last service is likely to be extended during the holidays to manage the anticipated rush effectively.
By coordinating these efforts across rail and water transport, KMRL and KWML are taking a comprehensive approach to ensure that Kochi's residents and visitors can enjoy the festive season with convenient, efficient, and safe travel options.
