PM Modi inaugurates Kochi Metro, takes first ride [Video]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the first ride on Kochi Metro on Saturday The PM cut the ribbon at Palarivattom station and inaugurated the project After the train ride from Palarivattom to Pathadippalam, the PM proceeded to the Kaloor stadium for the public event The inaugurated line of Kochi Metro comprises a 13-km stretch between Aluva and Palarivattom

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took the first ride in the newly inaugurated Kochi Metro, Kerala's first metro line, on Saturday, along with dignitaries, including Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Governor P Sathasivam and Union Minister M Venkaiah Naidu. 

Metro Man E Sreedharan, Urban development secretary Rajiv Gouba, Kerala chief secretary Nalini Netto and and KMRL managing director Elias George also travelled with the Prime Minister during his maiden journey in Kochi Metro from Palarivattom to Pathadippalam.

PM Modi was received at the Palarivatom by DMRC principal advisor Sreedharan, who oversaw the Kochi Metro implementation. Before boarding the train, Modi cut the ribbon and inaugurated the ride at the Palarivattom station. 

During the ride, Sreedharan and George explained the details of the project to the PM. Modi later proceeded to the Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium in Kaloor to address an invited audience of about 3,500 guests.

The inaugurated line of Kochi Metro comprises a 13-km stretch between Aluva and Palarivattom. Regular operations for the public will begin at 6 am on Monday.

Claimed to be the country's first integrated multi-model transport system, it is expected to improve regional connectivity and ease the traffic congestion in Kochi, the commercial hub of Kerala.

(with PTI inputs)