Kochi Metro inauguration: PM Modi flags off rail service, takes maiden ride with CM Pinarayi Vijayan, 'Metro Man' Sreedharan [PHOTOS]

Prime Minister Narendra Modi flagged off the Kochi Metro on Saturday, June 17 at 11 am by cutting the ribbon at the Palarivattom station. PM along with dignitaries also took a ride from Palarivattom to Pathadippalam. The inaugural ceremony was held at Kaloor stadium attended by a host of dignitaries including Union Urban Development Minister M Venkaiah Naidu, Kerala Governor P Sathasivam, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, Leader of Opposition Ramesh Chennithala and Adviser of the Metro Project, E Sreedharan.

UPDATES: 12.19 pm: With that, the historical ceremony of the inauguration of Kerala's first Metro in Kochi draws to a close.

12. 18 pm: PM concludes his speech by congratulating the people of Kerala and CM Pinarayi Vijayan.

12.17 pm: We are also focusing on next generation infrastructure, which includes logistics, digital and gas: PM Narendra Modi.

12.16 pm: "In PRAGATI meetings, I have personally reviewed nearly 175 projects worth more than Rs 8 lakh crore and resolved bottlenecks," says PM Modi.

12.15 pm: "Over the last three years, my government has placed special focus on overall infrastructure development of the nation," PM adds.

12.12 pm: "The coaches reflect 'Make in India' vision. They have been built by Alstom near Chennai, and have an Indian component of around 70 percent," says PM.

12.05 pm: PM Modi opens his speech in Malayalam. The crowd responds in sheer excitement.

Also Read: #Kummanamidapettu trending after Kerala BJP president gets a free ride on Kochi Metro with PM Modi

12.05 pm: PM Modi presents Kochi Metro to the people of Kerala.

12.04 pm: PM Modi set to dedicate Kochi Metro by unveiling the plaque.

11.56 am: Personalised smart cards for Kochi Metro presented to all dignitaries, including PM Modi.

11.52 am: CM Pinarayi Vijayan to address the congregation shortly.

11.50 am: Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan launches a mobile application -- Kochi 1.

11.47 am: Venkaiah Naidu congratulates Kerala government and the people of Kerala for the construction of Kochi Metro in the fastest time of four years.

11.42 am: Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu on stage to address the gathering.

11.36 am: Kochi Metro official inauguration ceremony begins.

11.34 am: PM Modi arrives at the stadium. Sharing the dais with him are Union Minister Venkaiah Naidu, Governor Sathasivam, CM Pinarayi Vijayan, Metro Man E Sreedharan and Opposition leader Ramesh Chennithala.

11.30 am: PM Modi along with the dignitaries now head to Kaloor stadium, where the Kochi Metro rail service will be commissioned and offered to the people.

11.21 am: "Futuristic infrastructure that will contribute to India's growth," tweeted PMO account.

 11.06 am: PM Modi boards Metro for its maiden ride. He will travel to Pathadippalam station and return to Palarivattom. Metro Man Sreedharan, Union minister Venkaiah Naidu and CM Pinarayi onboard.

11.02 am: PM Modi inaugurates Palarivattom station. He will now board the train from the station to Pathadippalam.

11.00 am: PM Modi arrives at Palarivattom station where he will cut the ribbon before taking the maiden ride to Pathadippalam.

10.52 am: Kochi Metro launch event will be telecast LIVE at: facebook.com/KochiMetroRail
youtube.com/user/KochiMetroRail

10.45 am: All set for the big event. Prime Minister is expected to arrive shortly to inaugurate Kochi Metro at Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium, Kaloor.

10.36 am: PM Narendra Modi leaves naval base to Palarivattom.

10.30 am: PM Modi's convoy to leave the Kochi naval base shortly to Palarivattom station, where he will cut the ribbon and inaugurate Krela's dream project Kochi Metro. 

10.25 am: PM Modi to reach Palarivattom via road.

10.24 am: Kochi Metro will start the Revenue operations on Monday, June 19.

10.19 am: PM Modi arrives in Kochi. Governor Sathasivam and CM Pinarayi Vijayan receive him.

10.15 am: Modi will cut the ribbon at Palarivattom station. He is expected to reach Palarivattom Metro station at 10.35 am.

10.01 am: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is expected to arrive in Kochi shortly.

10 am: Kochi Metro is also the first to use solar panels. Solar panels have been installed in all the stations to generate 2.3 megawatt electricity, and to meet half of the stations' power demand.

9.50 am: The first phase of Kochi Metro includes 11 stations. Six major stations are designed with different themes. Western Ghats is the theme assigned to Kalamassery station and is inspired by the monsoons in the Ghats with plenty of rain drops and green leaves to highlight its beauty.

9.48 am: Kochi Metro also has over 500 women from Kudumbasree Mission onboard for management and maintenance of the metro services that includes customer relations, housekeeping, parking management and ticketing.

9.45 am: KMRL is the first government-owned company in India to formally appoint 23 transgenders as employees. They have been trained in numerous skills -- hospitality, front office, security, computers and counselling.

9.34 am: The city is all decked up to welcome PM Modi. The visit puts Kochi under tight security.

Also Read: Do's and dont's to remember while taking a ride

9.30 am: Yogesh Saini and Sumit Kumar will be the train operators for the maiden journey of Kochi Metro. Pawan Kumar and Anil Kumar will be the supporting staff from the driver cabins.

9.29 am: Kochi Metro is the first in the country to boast of an integrated multi-model transport system.

9.20 am: Kochi Metro's first phase, covering nearly 13 km -- from Palarivattom to Aluva -- is the longest stretch to be opened in a metro rail project.