Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday inaugurated the Metro services in Kerala Kochi city and took a ride in the train from Palarivattom station to Pathadippalam station. Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu and E Sreedharan popularly known as Metro man also travelled with Modi.

Kochi Metro Rail Limited is a 50-50 Joint Venture of Centre and the Kerala government, as in the case of Delhi Metro rail project. Speaking on the occasion Modi said, the Union Government has so far released over Rs 2000 crore for the project.

Prime Minister said, the coaches reflect 'Make in India' vision. He said, they have been built by Alstom near Chennai and have an Indian component of around 70 percent. Calling the Kochi Metro an example of Public transport model, the Prime Minister said, this was a zero carbon emitting project. He said, all of its stations have achieved environmental clearance of platinum level. Modi said, Kochi, the queen of Arabian Sea was once an important spice trading centre and today it is known as the commercial capital of Kerala.