TrafficInfraTech Magazine Linking People Places & Progress
We have implemented DDFS (Digital Document Filing System) and DMS (Document Management System) which has helped us a lot as compared to the manual filing system. We have significantly improved turnaround time between file transfers, easy tracking and saved cost
Alkesh Kumar Sharma
For the project, the majority of the navigation channel has been identified already, which belongs to the National Waterways and Cochin port. Hence, seven additional terminal locations have been proposed based on public consultation with various stakeholders in the area. Cochin Shipyard has won the tender for the boats and the first boat is expected to be delivered by November 2020.
Green Initiatives
According to Sharma, KMRL is all set to enhance its renewable energy capacity from the current level of 2,148 kW to 2,670 kW. “An additional capacity of 522 kW is installed and ready for commissioning which will enhance the capacity of the solar power plant,” he adds. It is expected that the present capacity addition of 522 kWp will provide about 2,011 units of energy per day to be generated from the solar plant. The capacity addition will enhance the share of solar energy to 19.4% of the total consumption.
Further, KMRL is exploring the possibility of installing a solar power plant in all the possible areas, including the other Metro infrastructure/installations. KMRL is also conducting a feasibility study on whether it can install solar panels on the sides of 26 km length viaduct. According to Sharma, these panels will also act as notice barriers, providing insulation, especially in the residential areas.
Sharma adds, “As a part of green initiatives, we have introduced E-Rickshaws in Kerala. A total of 20 E-Rickshaws are plying in the city ensuring last-mile connectivity.”
Digitisation
Along with conventional paper ticketing, KMRL has introduced Kochi1 card and associated app. Kochi1 card ensures a seamless experience to the passengers by avoiding long queues and also provide a 20% discount to promote smart ticketing. Kochi1 card is equipped with an inbuilt wallet which can be used for different public transportation systems (Metro, autorickshaws, buses, water metro), can be used for POS purchases at grocery shops, supermarkets, and at the airport launches. Kochi1 app can be installed free and can link with an existing Kochi1 card, which also helps users recharge card using various payment gateway options without visiting KMRL stations.
In case of open data policy, KMRL publishes data such as Metro time table, fares between stations of Kochi Metro Phase 1 in GTFS (General Transit Feed Specification) format, which allows individuals and software companies to develop a wide variety of software applications (both mobile and web).
