Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi virtually inaugurated Kochi Metro’s Thripunithura terminal station around 10 am on Wednesday (March 6). This marks the completion of the final station of the metro’s initial phase of the rail network that begins in Aluva.
Two months ago, test runs were conducted at the Thripunithura terminal. Prime Minister Modi virtually flagged off the train service from Kolkata. The terminal is also connected to the Thripunithura railway station.
The ticket fare from Aluva to Thripunithura is Rs 75. However, commuters could travel for just Rs 60 till SN Junction as an inaugural offer. Rs 60 was the ticket charge from Aluva to Petta in the initial phase of development. The ticket fares remained the same when the services were later extended to the SN Junction. There are 25 stations between Aluva and Thripunithura, which is a 28.125-km stretch.
Facilities, decor, museum and commercial spaces
The 1.35 lakh sq feet Thripunithura terminal station has three platforms, unlike most Kochi metro stations. It also has a VIP lounge, a big commercial space and more than 30 digital display boards. The station is decked up with a 'royal' theme, considering the historic importance of Thripunithura, which was the seat of the erstwhile Cochin royal family.
Metro pillars with 'Athachamayam' (the procession that starts Kerala's Onam celebrations) themed mural paintings welcome passengers to the station. Hand railings with traditional engravings, chandeliers, a big portrait of the erstwhile Kochi king Rajashri Rama Varma who initiated railway facilities in the region, a big entrance door filled with intricate wooden works, a dance museum featuring all traditional dance forms of Kerala offering free entry to passengers, a selfie point, seating arrangements with engravings and carvings... passengers can enjoy the 'royal touch' everywhere in the station.
