Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has issued a request for qualification (RFQ) for the launch of an e-auto service in order to boost the feeder service of Kochi Metro. The winning firm or consortium in the tendering process will operate and maintain e-autos as a feeder service to the Metro in the city and suburbs. Bidders should submit concepts for operating the service during the RFQ stage, with the most viable one being chosen. The top bidders at the RFQ level will be shortlisted to submit requests for proposals (RFP). The project will be awarded to the most qualified bidder from the shortlist. The idea is to use e-autos as a feeder service for short distances of up to six kilometres. According to a KMRL official, their main goal is to provide Metro passengers with first- and last-mile connectivity. In the first phase, 77 e-autos will be distributed. The operator should provide e-auto services connecting various Metro stations and other modes of transportation hubs such as railway stations, water metro stations, and bus stations. KMRL plans to provide 115 e-autos in three phases, with the first phase providing 77 e-autos. Passengers can use the services as shared automobiles. The company or consortium chosen to implement the e-auto feeder service should equip vehicles with GPS. Passengers will be able to track the vehicles via GPS and check their availability on the internet. In addition to allowing the chosen firm to collect charges from passengers as set by the government, it can also seek corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds from various companies to help it operate the service. Companies must also provide a complaint filing system for the passengers. Furthermore, the operator will be able to sell static or digital advertising space to generate revenue. To attract more passengers to the feeder e-auto service, KMRL will place advertisements in various media. The agency will also set up charging stations for electric vehicles. The first round of bidding will be completed in a few months, according to KMRL sources. The Kochi Metro currently has 22 stations, with the Pettah-Tripunithura extension bringing the total to 25. The extension to Tripunithura is expected to be completed by 2022-23. Image Source Also read: Convergence Energy issues EOI for electric three wheelers in India