KOCHI: With the state Cabinet approving the renewed DPR for the Kakkanad extension of the Kochi Metro Rail, the proposal will soon be submitted to the Centre for its approval. The state government has given its nod for a 11.2-km extension at an estimated project cost of `2,310 crore.
KMRL had engaged RITES to carry out technical feasibility studies and to prepare DPRs for various Metro corridors in July 2013. The DPR for the stretch from JLN International Stadium to Infopark under the Kochi Metro Phase II project was submitted to KMRL in February 2015. Based on the Union Government's revised metro policy, the Urban Mass Transit Company Ltd (UMTC) has revised the DPR, adding alternate mode analysis, TOD (Transit Oriented Development) and VCF (Value Capture Financing) studies. Introduction of the Unified Metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) is another condition in the new metro policy. The revised DPR was submitted to the Kerala Government in February this year.
There will be 11 stations in the extension from JLN Stadium, including Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Signal, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Kunnumpuram, Kakkanad Junction, Kochi Special Economic Zone, Chittethukara, Rajagiri, Infopark I and Infopark II.
As per the initial assessment, the Kakkanad extension needs 6.97 acres to be acquired for an approximate cost of `93.50 crore. There is also a need to acquire 8.55 acres for the preparatory work on this route. The current stretch of the road between Palarivattom and Kakkanad will have to be widened to 22 metres from the existing 16 metres.
The initial study for land acquisition is under way. As per the Social Impact Assessment, the extension is likely to affect 300 landowners and 400 commercial establishments. The exact volume of land that needs to be acquired and other details will be charted once the assessment is completed, by this October. Once the Union Government gives its nod, the tenders for design consultancy will be floated.
As per the initial assessment, the Kakkanad extension needs 6.97 acres to be acquired for an approximate cost of `93.50 crore
There is also a need to acquire 8.55 acres for the preparatory work on this route. The current stretch of the road between Palarivattom and Kakkanad will have to be widened to 22 metres from the existing 16 metres