Kochi: A Natural Paradise and a Beacon of Social and Technological Innovation – Elets eGov
In the bustling city of Kochi, nestled in the picturesque state of Kerala, Shri Loknath Behera, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited, extolled the natural beauty that surrounds this enchanting region. With its abundance of sea, backwaters, rivers, and hills, Kochi offers a breathtaking tapestry of nature that few places can rival.
Expressing his views at the Elets National Railway and Transport Innovation Summit held on 17th March in Kochi, Kerala, Shri Behera proclaimed, “No other state or country is as beautiful as Kochi is. With its vibrant water transport system and the moniker ‘Queen of the Arabian Sea’, Kochi truly stands out as a gem among destinations.”
Kochi’s Natural Endowments: Within a mere radius of 20 kilometres, Kochi encompasses a remarkable array of natural wonders. Twenty-seven percent of its area is covered in water, and it boasts an impressive network of 47 canals. This historical reliance on waterways has shaped a vibrant water transport system that has been integral to the city’s identity. Shri Behera quipped, “God must have taken at least two or three days leave to make Kochi.” This sentiment reflects the awe-inspiring beauty that permeates every corner of the city.
Comparing Kochi to Scotland, the proud MD of Kochi Metro acknowledged that only a few places in the world can rival the natural grandeur found in Kerala. He shared an intriguing anecdote about a friend’s visit to Austria, where he witnessed the seamless integration of digital systems in everyday life. Inspired by this experience, Mr. Behera envisioned the potential for India to replicate such advancements and embrace a digitally empowered future.
Empowering Women: Kochi Metro has taken significant strides in promoting gender equality and empowering women. With the highest percentage of women employed in its workforce, the metro proudly employs 43 women drivers who navigate the city’s tracks with pride and enthusiasm. Shri Behera hailed this achievement as a prime example of social innovation, a testament to Kerala’s commitment to breaking gender barriers and fostering inclusivity.
Ambitious Goals: As India aims to become a net-zero emissions country by 2070 and develop 100 metro cities by 2047, immense challenges lie ahead. However, Mr. Behera affirmed that the transformation is well underway, with promising progress being made. He expressed confidence in overcoming these hurdles and achieving these ambitious goals within the designated timelines.
Drawing on his long standing association with Elets Technomedia, Mr. Behera highlighted the organisation’s role in catalysing change and innovation through the popular Elets eGov magazine, which has been a trusted source of information for policy makers, stakeholders, and industry experts in India and abroad.
The Power of Implementation: While summits and conferences provide a platform for fruitful discussions and idea sharing, their true value lies in the implementation of the concepts, technological solutions, and best practices that emerge. Mr. Behera emphasised the importance of embracing and actualizing the ideas generated at such events. He believes that the acceptance of innovation through technology is already present, and now it is crucial to take it to the next level by leveraging the insights and inspiration gained from this summit.
Conclusion: Kochi, with its awe-inspiring natural beauty and commitment to social innovation, stands as a shining example of progress and potential. Shri Loknath Behera, through his role as the Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited, embodies the vision and determination required to transform Kochi into a model city for sustainable development and gender equality. As Kochi’s natural paradise merges with technological advancements, the city continues to captivate hearts and minds, showcasing the limitless possibilities that lie within the intersection of nature and innovation.
Also Read | Kochi Metro leading the rail transformation in India
Blurb: Kochi Metro has taken significant strides in promoting gender equality and empowering women. With the highest percentage of women employed in its workforce, the metro proudly employs 43 women drivers who navigate the city’s tracks with pride and enthusiasm.
Views expressed by: Shri Loknath Behera, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited.