KOCHI: Metro enthusiasts from across the state came together to celebrate the first anniversary of Kochi Metro here on Sunday.KMRL said that on the first day of anniversary celebrations, their ridership crossed 60,000. Though the Metro was inaugurated on June 17, 2017, commercial operations started only after two days. “KMRL is organizing free rides to give an opportunity to those who have never taken a Metro ride,” said KMRL managing director A P M Mohammed Hanish.Commuters, city residents, people’s representatives launched the festivities along with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) by cutting a huge cake at Edappally Metro station. KMRL employees, members of Kudumbashree Mission, Kochi Metro Special Police and the Metro agency’s security service provider SIS(I) Ltd also joined the celebrations held at various Metro stations.This was followed by a show by magician Gopinath Muthukad. Large crowds gathered at the stations to witness the show ‘Time Traveller - Magic Metro’.In the evening, cultural programmes were held at various Metro stations. The agency even provided commuters an opportunity to present their talents.Commuters recalled memories of their first Metro journey. K V Sadanandan, a businessman said, “The greatest blessing Metro offers is that it saves time and if Iwant to reach Aluva, I no longer have to travel in bus nor spend more than one hour to reach there,” said Sadanandan. City residents said that they were looking forward for the extension of services to Kakkanad and Tripunithura.The next part of the celebrations will be held on Tuesday. The trains will operate between 8am to 10pm. There will be a service every seven minutes. “Police and KMRL’s security service provider have taken measures to handle the crowds expected to travel by the Metro,” said KMRL spokesperson.

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