Kochi: Prime Minister Narendra Modi is likely to announce the union government's approval for the Kochi Metro second phase besides the Trippunithura extension when he officially launches commercial operations of the modern transport system in the Aluva-Palarivattom stretch on June 17. “The necessary documents have been handed over by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd and the scrutinizing process is learnt to be over. We expect the Prime Minister himself to make the announcement on June 17,” metro sources said.
KMRL Managing Director Elias George too had hinted after the Metro board meeting that the second phase was set to get the union clearance soon. “The second phase of the Kochi Metro will get the Centre’s nod soon. The Union Government’s directive on the PPP model for big projects will not be a constraint for Kochi metro,” he said. Earlier on May 17, the State government decided to give administrative sanction for the second phase of the Kochi Metro from Jawaharlal Nehru stadium to Kakkanad Infopark, a distance of 11.17 kms.
The estimated project cost of the second phase is Rs 2,577 crore. A total of 12 metro stations – Kaloor stadium, Palarivattom junction, Palarivattom bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Kunnumpuram, Kakkanad junction, SEZ, Chittethukara, Rajagiri and Infopark-I and Infopark-II, have been planned.
Meanwhile, the land acquisition process in the Thykoodam- Pettah stretch is yet to be completed, resulting in delay in metro construction and road widening activities there. “We’re planning to hasten and complete the work upto Thykoodam so that the metro can be operated upto that point without any further delay. However, the tender for the Road Over Bridge at Chambakkara has been put on the back burner. The traders at the market there need to be rehabilitated,” the sources said.
