KOCHI: The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) has a new chief. APM Mohammed Hanish took over the reins on Thursday as Elias George bowed out from the top job after successfully completing five years with Kerala's prestigious project. After assuming office, Hanish said his primary aim will be to smoothen the path ahead for KMRL. "Our main focus will be the extension of Kochi Metro up to Tripunithura. Along with that, we will also launch the second phase of the project, from Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium to Kakkanad. Another project we are carrying forward is the Water Metro, which is expected to revolutionise the transport sector in Kochi," Hanish said.
However, the newly appointed managing director of KMRL said there are certain challenges in front of KMRL. "These include the land acquisition hurdles," he said."We need to speed up the land acquisition proceedings for completing the project in a time-bound manner. I believe my experiences with the Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDCK) and PWD will help me in achieving the goals. Kochi Metro is, of course, a prestigious project and I'm happy to become a part of it.
The work culture, as well as the office environment, is quite different at KMRL. The young brigade consisting of vibrant staff members is the real strength of KMRL." The outgoing MD, Elias George, said the new chief will have to undertake some key challenges, including the second phase of expansion of Kochi Metro.
"Personally, I will say that my tenure with KMRL as its MD is one of the most satisfactory jobs that I have undertaken in my whole career," he said.Hanish, who also holds the top position with Supplyco, had served as the nodal officer for the FIFA U-17 World Cup matches in Kochi. He is also the officer-in-charge of the Kochi Smart City Mission.