KMRL MD hopeful of getting Sreedharan's guidance
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KOCHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will wind up its operations in Kochi after completing the ongoing Metro works from Aluva to Tripunithura.
DMRC principal advisor E. Sreedharan told media persons here on Thursday that though Kochi Metro Rail Limited was yet to formally request DMRC’s participation for the next phase, from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Kakkanad, the agency is not interested in continuing with the project.
E. Sreedharan also raised apprehensions over the ongoing quarry strike which has badly hit the work schedule of Metro works. “If the current progress is any indication, it is difficult to complete the project on time,” he added.
Meanwhile, responding to the Metro man’s statement, KMRL managing director Elias George said that the agency was yet to finalise the executing agency for Kakkanad line and it was too early to comment on it.
“The next phase of extension to Kakkanad is still awaiting the Centre’s approval. However, KMRL is hopeful of getting the guidance expertise of E. Sreedharan for carrying out the work, even though DMRC is not the implementing agency. We are keen on availing the services of Dr. Sreedharan,” he said.
DMRC has been associating with many Metro projects in the country in various capacities, ranging from executing agency to prime consultant or technical support provider.
It was in May this year that the state cabinet approved the Metro Kakkanad extension at an estimated cost of Rs 2017.46 crore.
As per the RITES feasibility report, the Kakkanad line connecting JN Stadium to Infopark will have the highest ridership.
Though a formal decision is awaited on whether DMRC would execute the Metro Tripunithura extension, DMRC sources earlier said that the agency was willing to take up the task as a continuation of its works in the 25-km Aluva – Petta corridor.
( Source : deccan chronicle )
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