A joint inspection will be carried out by officials of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to decide on the NHAI demand for two additional lanes for vehicles plying on the national highway during the construction of the metro rail.
The date of inspection is yet to be finalised and KMRL sources said its officials will hold meeting with NHAI authorities in New Delhi prior to the inspection.
The decision to conduct a joint inspection was taken after NHAI authorities sent a letter to its Chennai office asking to issue the necessary sanction for the civil works only after ensuring two additional lanes along the stretch.
Earlier, the KMRL and NHAI had reached a consensus, and as per the agreement,8m land will be barricaded at the NH for viaducts.
However, KMRL authorities also ensured 4m of land on both sides to regulate traffic even after barricading the road.
But with the NHAI demanding additional two lanes, the administration will have to acquire additional 8m-wide land along the stretch on both sides of the highway.
“Going for further land acquisition at this point is like shelving the project itself. It is impossible and the KMRL is hopeful of convincing the NHAI of the practical difficulties,” the sources said.
The NH stretch between Aluva and Edappally will have to be barricaded for the metro rail works.
“Work will be carried out at only 200-metre stretch at a time. Since the land where piling is needed is not marshy, the work could be completed within the stipulated time of two years. As per the agreement, the KMRL will be able to hand over the stretch to the NHAI after three years,” the sources added.
