Kochi: After much delay, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has started Metro’s construction work between Maharaja’s College and Ernakulam south.
A consortium of Cherian Varkey Construction Company (CVCC) and Vijay Nirman Constructions (VNC) — which has been awarded the contract — has started the work near Jos Junction.
“They have started mobilising men and materials. Sub-contractors have been enlisted. Barricades have already been placed at the site near Jos Junction. The work will gain momentum once Onam holidays get over,” said a Kochi Metro official.
He also said that they have started work at Thykkoodam along Vyttila-Pettah stretch.
The Metro work on these stretches has been lagging ever since the Metro authority partially off loaded the work from the contractors who were earlier entrusted with the job. And it took considerable time for DMRC to invite fresh tenders and award the work to the new contractors. The consortium of CVCC and VNC has maintained that the work would be undertaken and executed as per schedule.
As the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) gears up to launch commercial operations of Metro services from Aluva to Maharaja’s College by the last week of September or first week of October, the DMRC has speeded up the ongoing works between Palarivattom and Maharaja’s College.
“Signal trials are progressing, and high-speed signal trials are also being conducted. The station works are also at an advanced state. Many of these are nearing completion,” said the official.
The process for granting ISA certification for advanced signalling will most probably take place by mid-September. After obtaining ISA certification, the commissioner of Metro rail safety (CMRS) will inspect the signalling system, tracks and platforms. The CMRS inspection is expected on September 22 or 23.
Metro officials said currently trial runs are being held between Palarivattom and Maharaja’s College stretch at night hours. Trial runs will be carried out during day time after obtaining CMRS clearance.
