kochi-metro

KOCHI: Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) said that Kochi Metro cannot be used as a venue for staging protests and that they would not allow such events. The Metro agency has ordered an inquiry into the damage caused to Kochi Metro after Congress workers barged into the train on Tuesday.

"KMRL was assured that only senior Congress leaders would travel along with former chief minister Oommen Chandy and opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala . We didn't anticipate a mob," said KMRL spokesperson. The agency confirmed that bulk bookings were made at stations.

KMRL managing director Elias George has entrusted an officer to conduct an inquiry and submit a report within three days. The officer will inspect metro stations, examine CCTV footages, take statements of station controllers who were on duty and will also physical check damages to equipment and whether provisions of Metro Act were violated. The UDF leadership failed in anticipating such a large crowd. Contrary to the direction given to workers to assemble at Palarivattom they headed for Aluva. According to party leaders they had officially decided on an entourage of 150 persons and bought tickets for senior UDF leaders and media persons.

Ernakulam MLA Hibi Eden said that it would be difficult to control mob frenzy. "We had categorically directed the workers to assemble at Palarivattom," he said adding that the "UDF would not encourage or tolerate unruly behaviour in Kochi Metro or misuse of its premises. Such issues have to be seriously dealt with."

Speaking about the unmanageable situation that prevailed at Palarivattom station on Tuesday, Eden said it was even difficult for leaders including Chandy to get down from the train and move out of the station.

Former Kochi mayor Tony Chammany said the workers were aware of Oommen Chandy's schedule. The news of the former chief minister taking a Metro ride was on social media.

"They found an opportunity to travel with Oommen Chandy and wanted to click selfies and pictures. The workers reacted emotionally. There was nothing staged or planned," said Chammany.

