The State Government is exploring the possibilities of implementing the monorail project in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode cities without the participation of private players as it is not a financially viable project.
Though it was decided earlier to go ahead with the Public-Private Participation (PPP) model, it was later dropped. However, the private participation will be included for operating the services in both the cities.
Public Works Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju said that Kerala Monorail
Corporation with Chief Minister Oommen Chandy as chairman would be formed within a month. The government is planning to execute the civil works using its own fund and then hand it over to private agencies for operation.
‘’The Union Government share of 20 per cent of the total cost will be received only if it is implemented under the PPP model. The private agencies have to invest only a small share and there will not be any loss for them,’’ the Minister said.
The formation of Monorail Corporation is in the final stages and the first board meeting will decide on involving Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in the project. There are plans to implement the project as being done in Jaipur, where it is implemented on a turn-key basis.
The consultant will complete the project and hand it over to the Corporation. The consultancy has asked an amount of six per cent to undertake the works and it will be decided at the next board meeting.
He also pointed out that the decision to invite DMRC officials for a discussion will also be taken at the board meeting which is scheduled to be held by the end of this month.
The Minister expressed hope that the monorail in Kozhikode would become operational before the Kochi Metro Rail materialises.
Transport Department was entrusted with the works of the Thiruvananthapuram monorail and it is now under the PWD. DMRC has been asked to prepare a detailed project report and submit to the PWD for the project, the Minister said.
Once the Corporation is formed, the possibilities for funding the project will be explored. The land acquisition for the project is minimal and hence, it could be implemented at a fast phase, Ebrahim Kunju said.