9 Images from Inside Kochi Metro’s New Trains

With Kochi’s first metro train flagged off from Alstom’s plant in Andhra Pradesh on January 2, let’s take a closer look at the interiors of the train! The coaches were meticulously designed by Alstom with input from Tata Elxsi which functions as Kochi Metro’s customer experience consultant. These coaches took 16 months to be manufactured after Alstom won the 75 coach (25 train-sets x 3 coach) contract in August 2014.

The 2.9m-wide 65m-long trains can accommodate up to 975 passengers and seat 140. The coaches feature large LCD information displays (see top left/right of 1st image) which will display dynamic route maps and information about the upcoming station. Public announcements will be made in 3 languages: Malayalam, Hindi & English. Like other metros across the country, the trains will feature CCTV surveillance cameras for security. Interestingly, the Kochi Metro will also offer free WiFi service which would make it the second metro in the country to do so after the Bangalore Metro.

Inside the Kochi Metro! – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Emergency push-to-talk intercom – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Prohibited items – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Wrapped up like a Christmas present! – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Smoke detector – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Handles to hold on to (you knew this…) – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Operator’s panel – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Communication equipment for the train operator – Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

Photo Copyright: Kochi Metro Rail

The first train with 3 coaches is currently on its way to Kochi and will arrive at the Muttom depot early next week. After initial inspection, the train will begin testing within the depot’s 975m test track. Once the ramp connecting the depot to the mainline is ready in March/April, the train will begin testing on the 7 km stretch between Muttom & Edappally.

The next train is expected to be delivered in April after which a new train is expected to join the fleet every month.

For more updates on Kochi’s Metro, check out the Kochi section of the The Metro Rail Guy!

– TMRG