Brushing aside allegations of a rift, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), in a collective statement issued here, said that there is no difference of opinion between them over the setting up of casting yards for the proposed Kochi Metro Rail.
“As part of executing the Kochi Metro Rail, some parcels of land are required to establish the casting yard. Many factors have to be taken into account in finalising the place for the casting yard. The KMRL and DMRC are jointly involved in locating suitable location for setting up the yard. As the work of the Metro is expected to commence by May-end, this issue is being seriously looked into by both the bodies in tandem and the same will be sorted out shortly. There is no difference of opinion between KMRL and DMRC on this issue and a joint effort is being made to speed up the process,” according to the joint statement issued by the DMRC and the KMRL on Saturday. Apart from the yard at Manappattiparambu, the KMRL is planning to set up four more casting yards in and around the city.
The agency had already identified the land owned by FACT and HMT at Kalamassery, the Kerala State Housing Board land near High Court Junction, Kerala Water Authority’s land near the GCDA office at Kadavanthra and the land belonging to SAIL at Tripunithura for setting up casting yards. According to KMRL authorities, the discussions with FACT and HMT were fruitful and both the PSUs have given their in-principle nod for leasing out land to KMRL for setting up the casting yard. The agency is looking for five hectares of land at Kalamassery for the yard. “We hope that a lease agreement will be inked within two weeks’ time. For the initial work of the Kochi Metro Rail, only one casting yard is necessary. Hence there will not be any delay in the commencement of the construction work,” said an official spokesperson of KMRL.
The officials of KMRL had also held discussions with the respective authorities to acquire 2.5 hectares on lease at Tripunithura, five hectares near High Court and 2.5 hectares at Kadavanthra. Though SAIL has given green signal for the plan, it is learnt that KSHB is yet to take a final call on the issue. KMRL authorities hope that the state government and the ministers from the district will take necessary steps to convince the housing board as it is difficult to find out vast free land in any other parts of the city.
Meanwhile, the KMRL will have to look for an alternate option at Kadavanthra as the KWA is planning a potable water project in the land identified. Since drinking water crisis is becoming a grave issue of Kochi, the KMRL too is willing to look for another location.