Kochi: Delhi Metro Rail Corporation principal advisor E. Sreedharan on Thursday ruled out reports about further delay in commissioning of the Kochi Metro project. After inspecting the progress of works at various Metro sites and the coach maintenance yard at Muttom, the Metro man said that the Aluva – Palarivattom stretch of the Metro would be ready for commissioning by December. He expressed satisfaction over the progress of the works.
“Station construction and other civil works along the stretch are in the final phase and the route will be ready for commissioning before the date announced by the Chief Minister. Meanwhile, works from Palarivattom to Maharajas also have gained momentum and can be completed by March next year,” he said. Earlier, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan had instructed that the first phase of the project be completed by March, 2017. Meanwhile, the DMRC is yet to identify a new agency to carry out construction works along the Maharajas – Ernakulam South stretch after the exit of Soma Constructions from the project.
The Metro agency has floated new tenders for works along Maharajas – Ernakulam south and Kunnara Park – Petta stretches and the tenders will be opened after September 21. Soma Constructions has backed out citing cost escalation and inability to complete works for the earlier fixed contract amount of Rs 434 crore. Incidentally, the two major contractors - Soma Constructions and L&T - have made it clear that they are not interested in associating with the DMRC for the remaining phases of the Metro project.
