KOCHI: Kochi Metro Rail, Kerala’s first urban rail transit system , is expected to start its trail run by January, 2016. The construction work of the project began on June, 2013. The first phase is expected to be commissioned by June,2016.
The Rs 5,537 Kochi Metro Rail project, which is expected to change the face of urban Kochi, is progressing at a rapid pace. According to the Metro officials, the work along the stretch between Aluva and Maharaja’s College will be completed by December, 2014. Though as per the actual schedule, the 25 kilometre stretch between Aluva and Tripunithura-Petta with a total of 22 stations was to be constructed first, delay in land acquisition affected the work on the fourth reach of Metro Rail from Vyttila to Petta.
As in the case of every capital intensive infrastructure development projects, land acquisition is one of the major challenges that the authorities faced during the implementation of the project. However, apart from the land needed for the widening of Vyttila-Petta Road and few areas between Aluva and Ernakulam South Jn, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) authorities have acquired and handed over the land for the project.
There will be 16 stations between Aluva and Maharaja’s College and according to the official data, the land for 12 stations have been handed over to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which is the implementing agency of the project.
Land acquisition has been completed for the stations that include Pulinchodu, Companypady, Ambattukavu, Muttom, Kalamassery, Cochin University, Pathadipalam, Palarivatom, Jawaharlal Nehru Inetrnational Stadium, Kaloor and Maharaja’s College.
Meanwhile, land has been acquired for stations on one side of Aluva and Changampuzha Park. But land acquisition is yet to be done for Lissie Jn and M G Road stations. Here issues related to two petrol pumps need to be sorted out. Officials said, land acquisition for Metro Rail stations will be soon completed.
Ltand acquisition nearly over
Though the local residents had willfully surrendered the land for the project, the authorities are facing stiff opposition from big business establishments and also some local bodies. However, the issues related to the acquisition of land at Aluva and Edappally have been sorted out.
Now face a major hurdle that the authorities face is completion of the land acquisition procedures near Seematti Textiles at M G road.
“We ar left with two options. The first one is to reduce the width of Metro Rail corridor by up to 10 metre near Seematti. The normal width of the Metro rail corridor in other areas is 16m. But if we reduce the width, we will be able to provide only a 70 cm distance between the building and the via duct of Metro Rail,” said an official.
As another alternative to the issue, the textile shop owners have demanded parking space if they are to release land for the project. KMRL is also considering the second option on basis of certain conditions.
Swipe the card, ride on Metro
The common smart card ticketing solution planned by KMRl for Kochi Metro Rail will be another novel experience for the riders. The authorities have already appointed Ernst and Young (E&Y) as consultant for developing the card. The card can be used for transport and shopping. If you recharge the card, it can be used for paying Metro rail, bus and other feeder services charges. This card can also be used for shopping. The minimum ticket fare proposed for the Kochi Metro Rail is Rs 15 and the ticket charges from Aluva and Tripunithura Petta will be between Rs 15 and Rs 40.
KMRL will introduce hi-tech air-conditioned buses once the project is commissioned.
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