Over 200 of 311 kiosk spaces at metro stations auctioned in three days

Most spaces will soon have eateries, electronic item stores, and packed vegetable outlets

Over 200 of the 311 kiosk spaces at Kochi metro stations have found takers thanks to the resounding response to an aggressive marketing drive by Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to auction commercial spaces to mobilise revenue from non-ticketing sources.

The metro agency adopted a mix of innovation and hassle-free procedures as it embarked on the drive to auction the spaces, each measuring 120 sq.ft., initially for a five-year period. The four-day auction, where spot registration too can be done, will conclude at the Ernakulam Town Hall on Saturday.

Elaborating on the auction, KMRL chief general manager A.R. Rajendran said most kiosk spaces would shortly have eateries, packed vegetable outlets, and shops selling mobile phones and electronic items, among others. “Details of the 100-odd kiosk spaces that are still open for grabs have been published on KMRL’s website. They will be re-auctioned on Saturday,” he informed.