KOCHI: Though the Union government has already given its nod for the metro’s Tripunithura extension, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited will be taking it up in the next phase after completing the Aluva–Petta line.
However, it is estimated that the metro agency could save some Rs 250 crore and 10 to 12 months if the extension is taken up in the current phase.
The implementing agency, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation, can avoid time delay and cost escalation if it was allowed to carry out construction in a single phase.
Though a formal decision is awaited on whether DMRC would execute the Tripunithura extension, DMRC sources said that it was willing to take up the task as a continuation of its works in the 25-km Aluva – Petta corridor.
“No formal discussions have been held on the topic. But if the 1.50-km extension is done alongside the ongoing works, it would be ideal. Identifying a fresh agency would mean a delay of nearly one year and cost escalation,” sources said.
As per the DPR prepared by RITES, the expense for Tripunithura line will be Rs 420 crore. Though the total project cost was estimated at Rs 323 crore earlier, it was first revised to Rs 359 crore and later to Rs 420 crore to include the feeder facilities. From Pettah to Tripunithura, there will be two stations, near Alliance Junction and SN Junction.
Meanwhile, sources at KMRL told DC that though the agency for constructing Tripunithura line was yet to be finalised, it would mostly be entrusted with the DMRC itself.
