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Kochi Metro
Kochi Metro
The Kochi Metro was initiated by Kerala Government in line with the Policy of the Indian Government to introduce rapid transport system in the Cities in the Country and the project of introducing this system at Kochi would cost Rs 5146 crores with completion target in 2016.
History
Kochi metro had its Detailed Project Report for their Rapid Transit System drawn up by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation on 22nd December 2004, based on which the project w.as to commence in 2006 and completed by 2010. But, there were teething troubles for the project in the aspect of funding the project, when Central Government did not accede to the request of Kerala Government to partner the Kochi Metro Rapid Transport Corporation, but suggested inviting private parties to join them in the project funding. This refusal was attributed to the political rivalry of Kerala Government with the Central Government, because Delhi and Chennai metro projects were run by joint funding of the Central and the concerned State Government funding. However, the Central Government had the option of allowing Private entrepreneurs to take up the Metro rail projects and they had implemented that policy with Hyderabad Metro. Never the less, change in political scenario helped review of the Central Government’s points of view on funding the project and the newly formed Kerala Government had the project funding processed through.
Construction
The Kochi metro’s first phase covers Aluva-Petta stretch which is proposed to be completed in three stages and the project work of each of these stages running approximately to 8 km each was proposed to be given through three separate tenders to be bid at each stage.
It was also decided to provide car parking space at all Metro Stations and they added Madhav Pharmacy and Maharajas College stations, which was not in the original plan.
The project also involved some infrastructural changes, such as,
- Pulling down the Ernakulam north over-bridge,
- Construction of a new ROB connection Mullassery Canal Road and Salim Rajan Road,
- Widening of the road from Jos Junction to Ernakulam Railway Station
- Renovation of MG Road and
- Widening of Banerjee Road
Cost
The project cost of the Kochi Metro is Rs 5146 crores, which was originally drawn up for Rs 1186 crores in 2005 and about 53% of the cost will be funded by Japan Bank of International Cooperation.
Future Expansion
There is a proposal to extend Kochi Metro lines from Aluva to the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery, involving 8 Km stretch.
DMRC has plans also to extend Kochi Metro services upto Kakkanad from Plarivottom.
There is also a request from Thripunithura Rajanagari Union of Residents’ Association for extension of the Kochi Metro line which terminates now at Petta up to Thiruppunitura.