Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) will finalise the manufacturer for building 23 passenger boats by February 26 in line with its target to start the boat services by the year end.
"We've shortlisted Cochin Shipyard Ltd (CSL), Netherlands-based Damen Shipyards, UAE-based GRANDWELD (branch of ATOS International) and Larsen and Toubro (L&T) as of now after evaluating their technical qualifications," a KMRL spokesperson said.The last date for submission the bids is February 26. The lowest bidder will be entrusted with design, build, supply, testing, commissioning and delivery of the boats.
A fleet of 23 electric-powered air-conditioned ferries would be deployed by December while the entire project is aimed to be completed by 2020 end. A total of 78 ferries will connect 39 terminals while covering 76 kms on 16 different routes under the Rs 750-crore Water Metro project.
The rest of the 55 boats will have a passenger capacity of 50 persons each. The boats will be gradually converted to solar power in three-years. "There will be 19 terminals in the first phase."The hybrid catamaran-type boats with twin hulls will have a capacity of 100 passengers besides accommodating two wheel-chairs. They will have facilities for phone-charging and Wi-Fi," the official said.
