Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy flags of the first test run of Kochi Metro Rail project in Kochi on Saturday, January 23, 2016. (Press Trust of India photo)
Expected to ease the travel woes in Kerala's commercial capital, the first trial run of Kochi metro was flagged off by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at a test track set up at its Muttom railway yard near Aluva in Kochi.
Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Principal Advisor, E Sreedharan, state ministers Aryadan Muhammed, VK Ibrahim Kunju, K Babu and Anoop Jacob attended the function, organised to inaugurate the trial run of the Rs 5,180 crore Kochi Metro project, held at the 900 metre specially set up track at the yard.
Flagging-off the trial run of the urban public transport system, Mr Chandy said "It is a proud moment for the Keralites living across the world. First service of the Kochi Metro will start on November 1, the day state of Kerala was created.
Noting that the foundation stone for the Kochi Metro was laid on September 13, 2012, the Chief Minister said the modern transport system "is being created in record time."
Mr Chandy also hailed the role played by Metro man Sreedharan in making the dream project of Kerala a reality.
"People of Kerala are grateful to Sreedharan," the chief minister said, adding, the Kochi Metro is a feather in his cap.
Meanwhile, BJP came down heavily on the state government, alleging that the chief minister was playing politics over the development works being undertaken with the assistance of central government.
"It is a political stunt by the chief minister. Central government has allocated Rs 5000 crore for the function. But not a single Central minister was invited for the function. It is cheap politics being played just ahead of Assembly polls," senior BJP leader V Muraleedharan said.