Kochi: Kochi Metro is all set to spruce up the public transportation system by extending metro rail line from Pettah to SN Junction. The project is likely to be completed by 2020 end as per Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) officials. Land acquisition for the project has begun with the officials completing discussion with oil companies as well as finished alignment work.
Managing director APM Mohammed Hanish of KMRL informed that they will be work along the central line of the route. Discussion with oil companies was held as oil pipelines have been laid on the same route where metro will run. After studying the area, KMRL officials have earmarked adequate horizontal clearance. The report was shared with oil companies who have accepted the suggestions.
Metro officials are optimistic that if things are on track than the project will be made operational by 2020. However, Hanish informed that acquiring land from Thykoodam to Pettah was delayed but completed. KMRL did not face this situation while acquiring land at other areas outlined in the stretch.
Hanish said that they are expecting to wrap up work till Thykoodam stretch by March 2019. In next six months Pettah stretch would be completed by October 2019. He also informed that the extension plan was there in state’s allocation budget. KMRL will work towards acquiring land for Vadakkekkotta and SN Junction to implement the extension plan.
KMRL will so be rebuilding Pettah Bridge when work on metro project will begin. During rebuilding phase alternate traffic arrangements will be made to manage traffic. With new bridge at Thattappallikavu, it will be easier to manage traffic once work on the Pettah Bridge starts.
Hanish also appreciated the co-operation it received from the oil companies for implementing the extension plan. Giving technical details he explained that for the building of Metro from Pettah to SN Junction, a safe horizontal clearance of 3m between the pipeline and the metro pillars have been made available.
Apart from this the KRML has been aggressively exploring the possibility of expanding the Metro from SN Junction to the Tripunithura Railway Station.
