The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (DMRC) conducted a public awareness programme at Changampuzha Park here on Thursday detailing the action plan which will be implemented during the construction of the Metro rail network in the city.
Mayor Tony Chammany, Hibi Eden MLA, District Collector P I Sheik Pareeth, ACP Traffic (East) Baby Vinod and DMRC Project Director P Sriram, among others, participated at the programme. Chief Engineer Kesava Chandran presented the details of the action plan. In the interactive session that followed, office-bearers of the RWAs and merchant associations actively participated and had their doubts clarified by the officials.
The construction of the ambitious Metro network will formally get under way on Friday. A total of 22 stations have been planned between Aluva and Petta as part of the network. Out of the 22 stations, 12 stations are proposed between Aluva and Jawaharlal Nehru (JLN) stadium. The stations will be set up at Aluva, Pulinchodu, Companypady, Ambattukavu, Muttom, Kalamassery, Cochin University, Pathadipalam, Edappally, Changampuzha Park, Palarivattom and JLN stadium.
During metro construction, all utilities in the vicinity which are likely to be affected, will be shifted, in consultation with the departments concerned. Trees by the side of the road which are likely to infringe the working space, will be cut, with due permission from the Forest Department.
Barricading will be done for a width of 8 metres (4 metres on either side of the median) wherever the construction work is scheduled. Traffic signage boards will also be set up. All excavated earth and debris will be cleared at the same time as the work is carried out so that there is minimum inconvenience to the public. Traffic movement will be permitted in the space available beyond the barricaded 8 metres from Edappally to JLN stadium.
Pile, pile cap and piers will be constructed at the site. To avoid traffic hindrance, pier caps and U-girders will be cast at the casting yard and only the erection will be done at the site using cranes, preferably during night when the traffic is thin. The work will be carried out within a short span of four to six hours. During this duration, traffic will be diverted through alternate routes.
To maintain smooth traffic flow and to guide the motorists, traffic wardens will be posted at required locations. They will assist the traffic police. Once the work on the piers and pier caps is completed for a stretch of about 200 metres, the barricades provided will be removed and shifted to another stretch, restoring the complete width of way for traffic.