17.9.14

Kochi Metro update


The director board of the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has approved extending the Metro to Infopark in the fast-growing city suburb of Kakkanad at an estimated cost of Rs.1,600 crore.
The extension from Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium near Kaloor to Kakkanad via Palarivattom-Kumarapuram road will cover a distance of 11.17 km. “We have to now get the approval of state and Union governments. The nod from public investment board is also required,“ an official with KMRL said. The director board meeting was held in New Delhi on Tuesday .
The Metro agency will now focus on mobilizing funds. KMRL officials said that there won't be any difficulty in finding funds as many national and international agencies have already shown interest in the project.The detailed project report (DPR) of the extension was prepared by Rail India Technical and Economic Services (RITES).
Meanwhile, the revenue department has already completed the survey work along the Deshabhimani-Palarivattom stretch. RITES had suggested three alignments for the extension, including one via Palarivattom-Kumarapuram road and another via Vennala. The third alignment suggested by the agency was between Tripunithura and Kakkanad. Considering the viability, authorities are learnt to have decided on the alignment via Palarivattom-Kumarapuram road.
With the revenue department starting the land acquisition process, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will now have to design the extension, incorporating changes along the alignment such as the intersection on the under construction Palarivattom flyover.

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