Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday dedicated the first phase of Kochi Metro to the nation.
Kochi, the Queen of the Arabian Sea, was once an important spice
trading centre. Today it was known as commercial capital of Kerala, the
prime minister said.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is a 50-50 joint venture of the Centre and the state government.
The Centre has so far released over Rs 2,000 crore for the project. The coaches reflected 'Make in India' vision.
They have been built by Alstom near Chennai and have an Indian component of around 70 percent.
Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, Kerala Governor P
Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition in
Kerala Assembly Ramesh Chennithala, Ernakulam MP K V Thomas, Kochi Mayor
Soumini Jain and 'Metro Man' E Sreedharan were among those present at
the inaugural function.
