Thiruvananthapuram, 21 August (H.S.): Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan dismissed reports about a possible renaming of Kochi Metro, saying the State government had neither discussed nor considered such a proposal.

Speaking to reporters in Kochi, Satheesan said he learnt about the move only after reading newspaper reports. Any announcement made without consulting the government was unilateral, he said.

“We know nothing about such a proposal. No discussion has taken place with the government, and the matter is not under its consideration,” the Chief Minister said.

Satheesan indicated that the reported proposal might have originated within Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). However, he stressed that KMRL alone could not decide on an issue without holding consultations with the State government.

When asked whether the government might consider renaming the metro in the future, Satheesan questioned the need for such a move. He reiterated that the proposal was not currently before the government.

“KMRL cannot simply consider such a matter on its own. The government must also be consulted. We came to know about it only through newspaper reports, which is not how the government should be informed,” he said.

Responding to questions about how the proposal had emerged without prior consultation, Satheesan said the matter should be raised with KMRL. The government had no reason to respond to an initiative that had apparently been discussed without its knowledge, he added.

The Chief Minister also spoke about the Onam celebrations and the broader challenges facing Kerala. He said people were making an effort to come together in the festive spirit of Onam despite the grief caused by recent natural disasters.

Satheesan acknowledged that the State was passing through a severe financial crisis but assured people that the government would continue to stand with them without allowing the burden of the situation to overshadow the celebrations.

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Hindusthan Samachar / Arun Lakshman