As a key member of KMRL’s board, I oversee policy implementation, regulatory compliance, and statutory approvals for smooth project execution. Sanjay Kumar, Director Systems, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) shares more about Kochi Metro’s incredible transformation under his administrative capacity in an exclusive interview with Nisha Samant of Elets News Network (ENN). Edited excerpts:
Could you describe the key responsibilities and roles that come with being the Director – Systems at Kerala Metro Rail Limited?
The Director – Systems holds a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless and safe operation of the train system, emphasising safety, security, and sustainability while maintaining a high level of maintenance. Moreover, my responsibilities encompass:
- Overseeing the successful execution of ongoing projects, including phase-1B (Tripunithura), phase-2 alignment systems, water metro systems, and IUWRTS. This involves managing critical aspects such as signalling, telecommunication, AFC, electrical E&M work, Lift & Escalator installations, power and traction systems, solar power integration, and Rolling stock maintenance.
- Providing technical expertise and guidance as a trusted advisor to upcoming metro projects in Kozhikode and Trivandrum within the state of Kerala.
- Serving as a vital member of KMRL’s board, my role extends to ensuring the implementation of company policies, guidelines, and compliance with relevant regulatory frameworks, including the company act. Additionally, I am responsible for obtaining essential statutory approvals from various authorities, facilitating smooth operations and project execution.
What specific steps have you taken to ensure that the technology strategy remains adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of the metro rail network?
We would take the following steps to ensure that the technology strategy remains adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of the metro rail network:
a) Establish a continuous technology monitoring process: Continuously monitor emerging technologies and trends that could impact the metro rail network. This could involve attending industry conferences, reading industry publications, and networking with experts in the field.
b) Conduct regular technology assessments: Regularly assess the current technology stack of the metro rail network to identify areas where new technologies could improve efficiency, reliability, safety, or passenger experience.
c) Develop a technology roadmap: Create a technology roadmap that outlines the organisation’s plans for adopting new technologies. The roadmap should be based on the network’s needs and the availability of mature, reliable technologies.
d) Establish a pilot program for new technologies: Implement pilot programs for new technologies to test their feasibility and effectiveness before deploying them across the network. This will help mitigate risks and ensure that new technologies are integrated into the network in a way that is compatible with existing systems.
e) Foster a culture of innovation: Encourage and support innovation within the organisation by providing opportunities for employees to learn about new technologies and develop new ideas. This could involve establishing an innovation lab or providing funding for employee-led research and development projects.
f) Collaborate with industry partners: Collaborate with industry partners to develop and share knowledge about new technologies. This could involve participating in industry consortia or partnering with universities or research institutes.
g) Stay up to date on regulatory changes: Stay up-to-date on regulatory changes that could impact the adoption of new technologies. This could involve working with regulators to develop new standards or guidelines for the use of new technologies.
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h) Continuously evaluate the effectiveness of the technology strategy: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the technology strategy and make adjustments as needed. This could involve tracking key performance indicators (KPIs) such as the adoption rate of new technologies, the performance of new technologies, and the impact of new technologies on the overall efficiency and effectiveness of the metro rail network.
By taking these steps, we would ensure that the technology strategy remains adaptive and responsive to the evolving needs of the metro rail network, enabling the organisation to continuously improve its performance and provide a world-class service to its passengers. KMRL adopted an Open Data policy in 2018, opening data in GTFS format for developers and other applications to use the information while being technology- agnostic. KMRL is actively exploring ONDC to make its services more accessible to the public. Both of these actions are strong steps in supporting the technology ecosystem, enabling innovation, and making services available to the public with ease.
What measures and systems have been implemented under your leadership to enhance the safety and security of the metro rail network, and how have they contributed to passenger safety?
We have implemented the following measures and systems to enhance the safety and security of the metro rail network:
1) Infrastructure and Operational Safety Measures:
a) Train Control Systems: Implemented advanced train control systems, such as Automatic Train Protection (ATP) and Automatic Train Operations (ATO), to prevent collisions and overspeeding.
b) Rolling Stock Safety Features: Incorporated fire suppression systems, crashworthy car bodies, and emergency communication systems into train design.
c) Maintenance and Inspection Procedures: Established rigorous maintenance and inspection procedures for trains, tracks, and signalling systems to identify and address potential safety hazards.
2) Security Measures:
a) Multi-layered Security: Implemented a multi-layered security approach that includes physical security measures, access control systems, surveillance systems, and security personnel.
b) CCTV Surveillance: Installed comprehensive CCTV surveillance systems across stations, trains, and depots to monitor activities and deter criminal behaviour.
c) Access Control Systems: Implemented access control systems using smart cards or biometric authentication to restrict access to sensitive areas.
d) Passenger Screening: Conducted random and targeted passenger screening using metal detectors and baggage scanners to identify and prevent the carrying of prohibited items.
e) Emergency Response Procedures: Developed and implemented comprehensive emergency response procedures to address incidents such as fires, bomb threats, and medical emergencies.
f) Security Awareness Training: Provided regular security awareness training to staff and passengers to educate them on security procedures and how to report suspicious activities.
3) Impact on Passenger Safety: These measures and systems have significantly contributed to passenger safety by:
a) Reducing the likelihood of accidents: Advanced train control systems and safety infrastructure have minimised the risk of collisions, derailments, and other operational incidents.
b) Detecting and deterring criminal activity: CCTV surveillance systems and security personnel have aided in the detection and deterrence of criminal activity, such as theft, assault, and terrorism.
c) Facilitating a rapid response to emergencies: Emergency response procedures and training have enabled a rapid and effective response to emergencies, minimising the impact on passengers.
d) Enhancing passenger perception of safety: The visible presence of security personnel has enhanced passenger perception of safety, contributing to a more secure and comfortable travel experience.
Photo- 1: Rain-water Harvesting
By implementing these comprehensive safety and security measures, we have ensured that the metro rail network provides a safe and secure environment for passengers, fostering trust and confidence in the public transportation system.
4) Platform Yellow Line Detection System:
- Passengers at the platform level are at high risk of falling onto the track.
- Currently, security guards use whistle blow sounds to alert passengers.
- It becomes challenging to handle if there are more passengers.
- Greater caution is required by the security guard.
Solution Deployed:
- Dual-beam IR sensors automatically detect passengers crossing the yellow line and give an instant audio alarm from the speaker.
- Alarm acknowledgment by the station controller is not required as this is an automated audio alarm.
- Dual beams provide redundancy in case one of the beams malfunctions.
- Cost-saving for KMRL as it acts as an alternative to security staff.
- Maintenance costs are low.
In what ways have digital platforms and mobile applications been employed to enhance the passenger experience, and what benefits have these initiatives brought to commuters?
Digital platforms and mobile applications have revolutionised the passenger experience in metro rail systems, providing commuters with a range of benefits that enhance convenience, efficiency, and satisfaction. These initiatives have transformed the way passengers interact with the metro system, making their journeys more seamless and enjoyable.
The following digital platform and mobile application are being employed in Kochi Rail Metro/Kochi Water Metro to enhance the passenger experience:
- Kochi-1 Mobile Application: This is the digital ticketing platform for both Kochi Rail Metro and Kochi Water Metro, facilitating passengers to buy tickets at their convenience without having to stand in line at metro stations. It also reduces the need for ticketing staff at metro stations.
- WhatsApp Chatbot: Kochi Rail Metro has implemented a WhatsApp chatbot available for passenger interaction and queries. This provides greater connectivity with the operator.
In conclusion, digital platforms and mobile applications have become indispensable tools for enhancing the passenger experience in metro rail systems. By providing convenient access to information, streamlining travel processes, and offering personalised experiences, these initiatives have transformed the way commuters interact with the metro system, making their journeys more seamless, efficient, and enjoyable.
What strategies have been implemented to make the metro rail system environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient, and how do these initiatives contribute to the project’s overall sustainability?
We have implemented various strategies to make the metro rail system environmentally sustainable and energy-efficient. These initiatives contribute significantly to the project’s overall sustainability by reducing environmental impact, minimising resource consumption, and promoting a cleaner urban transportation system.
Key strategies implemented to enhance the environmental sustainability and energy efficiency of the metro rail system:
a) Electrification and Renewable Energy Integration: The metro rail system is powered by electricity, which can be generated from renewable sources such as solar, wind, or hydroelectric power. This shift from fossil fuel-powered vehicles to clean energy sources significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions and contributes to a cleaner urban environment.
- Currently, KMRL has a total solar plant installed capacity of 10.58 MWP installed across various stations and Muttom depot, including ground and roof-mounted plants.
- KMRL had a total consumption of 2,66,03,427 kWh, including auxiliary and traction, for the financial year 2022-2023, whereas a total of 1,37,04,219 kWh units were generated by the 10.58 MWP KMRL solar plants. With this, KMRL has achieved energy neutrality of around 51.51%.
b) Regenerative Braking: Regenerative braking systems capture energy during braking and feed it back into the power grid, reducing energy consumption and improving overall system efficiency.
c) Energy-efficient Train Operations: Optimised train scheduling, eco-driving techniques, and efficient train control systems minimise energy consumption during train operations, further
reducing the environmental impact of the metro system.
d) Lightweight Train Design: Lightweight train bodies and aerodynamic designs reduce energy consumption by lowering rolling resistance, contributing to improved energy efficiency.
e) Efficient Lighting and Ventilation Systems: LED lighting and energy- efficient ventilation systems in stations and trains significantly reduce energy consumption, promoting resource conservation and environmental sustainability.
f) Sustainable Infrastructure and Materials: The use of sustainable construction materials, such as recycled materials and low-emission concrete, reduces the environmental impact of infrastructure development.
g) Maintenance and Energy Management Practices: Regular maintenance of trains, tracks, and signalling systems ensures optimal energy efficiency and prevents energy losses. Energy management practices, such as energy audits and data-driven monitoring, identify and address energy-saving opportunities.
Contributions of these initiatives to the project’s overall sustainability:
a) Reduced Greenhouse Gas Emissions: The transition to renewable energy sources and energy-efficient measures significantly reduces greenhouse gas emissions, mitigating climate change and improving air quality.
b) Minimised Resource Consumption: Efficient energy utilisation and sustainable infrastructure practices conserve resources, reducing the environmental footprint of the metro system.
c) Promoted Cleaner Urban Transportation: The use of clean energy sources and energy- efficient technologies contributes to a cleaner and more sustainable urban transportation system, promoting environmental well- being.
d) Enhanced Corporate Social Responsibility: By implementing sustainable practices, the metro system demonstrates its commitment to environmental responsibility, enhancing its corporate social responsibility profile.
e) Reduced Operational Costs: Energy-efficient measures lead to lower operational costs, contributing to the overall financial sustainability of the metro rail project.By reducing environmental impact, minimising resource consumption, and promoting clean urban transportation, these initiatives contribute to a more sustainable and environmentally responsible future for urban mobility.
Rainwater Harvesting – Considering the fact that rainwater harvesting is one of the most effective methods of water conservation and water management, KMRL has explored the possibility of rainwater harvesting at stations and the Depot. When the harvested rainwater, after filtration, is recharged into the ground or to open wells or bore wells, it can augment the natural processes of replenishment.
Photo-2: Vyttila Mobility Hub – Perfect Example of Physical Integration-Metro Rail – Bus – Water Metro
Kochi Metro Rail Limited wants to reduce its water footprint to contribute to urban water security and sustainability. Reduction in water footprint can be achieved in two ways:
i. By preventing misuse or overuse of water at Metro facilities, and
ii. By reducing dependency on the public water distribution system.
A detailed water audit was conducted at metro stations and the depot, which helped understand water conservation opportunities at the metro facilities. On the other hand, harvesting the rainwater collected from station rooftops, depot, and viaducts would help reduce the dependency on water supply from Kerala Water Authority.
Rainwater harvesting at metro stations and depots can be done using rooftop rainwater harvesting. At each metro station, the roof area will be utilised for rainwater collection. The viaducts will also be utilised for rainwater harvesting. In all of the 16 metro stations, the soil profile mostly consists of high clay content. So groundwater recharging is limited in such a case, since clay has less permeability, infiltration capacity, and yield. So the best option for the 16 metro stations is to collect rainwater from the rooftop and viaducts, and the collected rainwater will be stored in the underground sump provided under the pump room. The layout of rainwater harvesting for Companypady station is as shown below.
Rainwater collected from station rooftops and circulated in metro stations has saved Kerala Water Authority water bill payments. This project also seeks to reduce the wastage of rainwater through city drains and benefit the public staying in and around the station premises with increased groundwater levels.
In the initial phase, KMRL commissioned this project at 16 stations based on the availability of Bore/open wells, and the work is in progress in the balance 6 stations as 2nd phase.
Multi-Model Integration approach: KMRL has implemented a multi- model transport integrated approach at connecting points such as Vytilla and provided E-Rickshaw and
E-buses for first and last-mile connectivity.
Therefore, as a part of the Integration Project:
i) Metro Rail-Water Metro
Interoperable tickets
ii) QR-based Feeder Ticketing APP
iii) Electric Auto Feeder – 100 E-autos
iv) Charging Infrastructure – 15 charging points, 3.3 KW AC Type-1
v) Public Bicycle Sharing – 1000 Bicycles with metro access
vi) Feeder E-Bus – 6 nos. E-buses
vii) NMT Infrastructure Improvement
- Pedestrian pathway Improvement
- Junction improvements
- Landscaping
- Pedestrian Signage
- Street Furniture
- Urban park development
How do you ensure that the digital transformation of Kerala Metro Rail aligns with long-term goals and innovative technologies while remaining cost-effective?
In order to ensure that the digital transformation of KMRL is aligned with long-term goals and innovative technologies while maintaining cost-effectiveness, several initiatives have been undertaken.
A primary long-term objective involves the promotion of public transport in tandem with sustainability efforts. To support this, a prototype of a loyalty program has been developed, emphasising carbon emission savings achievable through environmentally conscious commuting choices by passengers.
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KMRL has embraced cutting-edge solutions to enhance operational efficiency. This includes the implementation of an in-house Operations and Maintenance Management System (OMMS) to streamline internal processes. Additionally, the integration of Virtual Reality (VR) and Augmented Reality (AR) for a comprehensive metro walkthrough offers an immersive and interactive experience for passengers. The Digital Workflow Document and Filing System (DDFS) facilitates efficient and paperless operations, contributing to a more sustainable and streamlined workflow.
Furthermore, Robotics to be deployed in the customer care centre not only improves customer experience but also optimised resource allocation. The incorporation of big data analytics serves as a powerful tool for informed decision-making, offering insights into operational patterns and passenger behaviour.
By combining long-term goals with innovative technologies, KMRL is ready to not only advance its digital transformation but also to contribute significantly to the broader objectives of promoting public transport. These initiatives underscore a commitment to efficiency, customer satisfaction, and a forward-looking approach in the evolving landscape of public transportation.
QR Code-Based Maintenance Management System – Failure and Maintenance Management of PST Department is completely made paperless with the implementation of the Q-MMS App. QR code-based Asset Management has been incorporated in the App. Basic details of an asset, such as make, model, and specifications, can be viewed by scanning the QR code pasted on each piece of equipment. More details, such as failure history and maintenance history, can be viewed inside the App. The implementation of the App eliminated the significant delay in consolidating data from separate physical logs like DPR, maintenance checklists, etc., by automating it through the App. Various additional modules are also incorporated, such as Asset Management, PST Repair Lab, Training Materials, and Documents & Manuals, etc. The App has been developed completely in-house by Team PST and is updated as per the departmental requirements that arise from time to time.
Digital Transformation for Kochi Metro Rail – Alignment with Long-Term Goals: Ensure that every digital initiative aligns with the long-term vision of enhancing commuter experience, reducing environmental impact, and contributing to the city’s sustainable growth.
Innovative Technologies:
- Understand the current state of technology infrastructure, processes, and capabilities.
- Identify areas where digital transformation can have the most significant impact on efficiency, customer experience, and overall performance.
- Embrace cutting-edge technologies such as IoT, AI, and data analytics to optimise operations, enhance safety, and provide personalised services to passengers.
Build Scalable, Cost-Effective & Flexible Architecture:
- Design a digital infrastructure that is scalable and adaptable to future technologies and changes in business requirements.
- Ensure interoperability between different systems and technologies to avoid vendor lock-in and facilitate future upgrades.
- Implement digital solutions that optimise costs without compromising quality, seeking innovative approaches and partnerships to maximise the return on investment.
Operational Efficiency: Streamline internal processes through digitalization, reducing operational costs, and improving the efficiency of maintenance, scheduling, and resource allocation.
Data-Driven Decision-Making: Establish a robust data analytics framework to derive actionable insights, facilitating informed decision-making for continuous improvement and adaptability.
Cybersecurity and Resilience: Prioritise the implementation of robust cybersecurity measures to protect sensitive data and ensure the resilience of digital infrastructure against potential threats.
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