KOCHI, INDIA (Metro Rail News): Commissioner of Metro Rail Safety has determined to delay the safety inspection of the distance of 1.3-km Thykoodam-Petta stretch of Kochi Metro project that was earlier scheduled to be carried out on 25th of March. Due to the COVID-19 outbreak, the decision of CMRS came.
Thykoodam-Petta stretch is the final leg of the first phase of the Kochi Metro project and was assumed to be approved by the April 1st week. The Kerala govt had allowed the MD of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to commission the stretch without holding a public meeting.
KMRL delayed the commissioning plan as the CMRS security inquiry was rescheduled. Yet the fresh dates not declared. Considering the gravity of the situation because the Corona outbreak over the country, the Central govt had also directed KMRL to delay the commissioning plan of the stretch.
Shortly, Kochi metro rail services are operational on a 23.65 km stretch within Aluva-Thykoodam covering twenty-one stations. After the commissioning of the left stretch, the KMRL would be completely operational on a 25 km stretch under the first phase of the metro project.
KMRL had successfully led the trial run of the metro rail on Thykoodam-Petta stretch on Feb 15. “Commuters safety is our prime concern. We have to ensure commuters do not have any unnecessary social contact,” replied Alkesh Kumar Sharma, MD of KMRL.
KMRL has chosen to delay metro services till 31st of March as part of actions to contain the spread of COVID-19 on March 23. “Kochi Metro Rail Limited chose to suspend co-operation pursuant to directives from both the State and Central govt. The move is intended at arresting the spread of COVID-19 through ensuring social distancing and encouraging people to stay home for the time being”, declared Sharma.
