KOCHI:Lulu Mall, Edappally, will become the first business establishment to connect with Kochi Metro as per the interconnection policy approved by Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL). The skywalk, connecting the Edappally metro station to the mall, will be opened to the public on Thursday at 11 am. KMRL managing director A P M Mohammed Hanish will inaugurate the new skywalk.
This connectivity is expected to bring down vehicular traffic in the busy Edappally junction substantially. The skywalk will be operational from 9 am to 10 pm. The policy of KMRL on interconnection was approved by the board of directors meeting held on November 30, 2016. Other business establishments like Chennai Silks are also in the process of connecting with the metro through a skywalk.
As per the policy, the entire cost of connectivity including civil work, lighting, additional lifts, shifting of AFC, ticketing office and security cabins and any other modification and alteration work are borne by the establishment connecting it with the metro. The land license fee for the shadow area within the KMRL property of the connecting structures equal to 99 per cent of the market value of land and a license fee per annum for 35 years have to be paid by the party in advance.
Apart from this, the party would also have to remit a refundable security deposit of Rs 10 lakh. This amount will be refunded on the termination of the agreement after deducting estimated restoration cost or damages, if any, to KMRL, according to an official statement by KMRL.