KOCHI: Work on the second phase of the Kochi Metro, from JLN Stadium to Kakkanad, is gathering pace. While the preparatory work for the metro expansion – from Palarivattom Jn to Chembumukku – has been completed, the construction of the entry-exit station at Infopark is under way, the authorities said.
At Chittethukara, piling has been completed on one side while the work for the same has started on the other side and at Kinfra, according to a Kochi Metro official. Similar work is in progress at Csez (Cochin Special Economic Zone), Kakkanad Jn and Infopark. A stakeholder meeting is scheduled to be held soon to discuss traffic management and diversion in the area.
According to reports, Afcons Infrastructure has quoted the lowest bid to construct a viaduct and nine stations for the Phase 2 project. However, a final decision on awarding the tender is yet to be taken by the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) which has offered a loan for the project.
“The tender is under review by AIIB and a decision will be made soon. The work on the second phase is expected to be completed within 18 months, with simultaneous progress on the viaduct, signalling, telecommunication system, tracks, and entry-exit works,” the Kochi Metro official said.
At the same time, land acquisition is yet to be completed at some points.
“Land acquisition in Palarivattom and the stretch towards Kakkanad are pending. The acquisition process is expected to be completed within the next two to three months,” the official said. The road widening between Chembumukku and Kunnumpuram is also progressing.
“The delay in utility shifting has caused hindrance as receiving permission for power shutdown is impossible under the prevailing summer condition. We will proceed with the work as and when we get permission from KSEB,” the official added.
Earlier this year, the Kerala government earmarked Rs 2.39 billion in its budget to support the extension of Kochi Metro to Kakkanad. The Kakkanad extension, spanning 11.2km, is slated to be operational by 2026.
Kochi Metro Phase 2
Pink Line: JLN Stadium-Infopark II
Length: 11.2 km
Type: Elevated
Number of stations: 11
Station names: Jawaharlal Nehru Stadium (new station box), Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamugal (formerly Kunnumpuram), Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ (Special Economic Zone), Chittethukara, KINFRA (formerly Rajagiri), InfoPark 1 / Smart City 1, and InfoPark 2 / Smart City 2