Kochi Metro gets Platinum Green Certification for six new metro stations

Kochi, India (Urban Transport News): The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) on Wednesday informed that Kochi Metro’s Operations Command Center at Muttom and new six metro stations namely Ernakulam south, Kadavanthra, Elamkulam, Vytilla, Thykoodam, and Petta has been awarded Platinum Green certification. These stations are part of Phase I of the Kochi Metro Rail project. Earlier, the authority had received Platinum Green certification for its existing 16 stations.

The IGBC green rating system is a tool to enable new Rail based MRTS to apply green concepts during design & construction, so as to further reduce environmental impacts that are measurable. The overarching objective of IGBC Green MRTS Rating is to ensure environmental sustainability while enhancing commuter experience.

The IGBC green rating system verified Kochi Metro's efforts to address the best site selection and National priorities like conserving natural resources, demand-side energy and water efficiency, adoption of renewable energy, waste management, management of commuter health and comfort. Commenting on the new certification, Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Limited said:

Kochi being a vibrant city needs a mode of transport matching global standards in quality of service which is clean and green. In this endeavor, IGBC is our key partner in making Kochi Metro a sustainable model in India.

The Indian Green Building Council (IGBC) in association with CII has launched IGBC Green Mass Rapid Transit System (MRTS) rating to encourage green concepts in the design, construction and operation of all new Rail based MRTS projects. Presently, the operations of Kochi Metro is suspended since 25th March 2020 in wake of COVID-19 outbreak and order issued by the Government of India.