Though the Union Cabinet has given its nod for the Kochi Metro Rail, uncertainty still prevails over the question of the implementing agency.
Though the state government had earlier given the in principle nod for handing over the implementation charges to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), no confirmation has been made on record.
During its tenure, the LDF government had invited the DMRC to Kerala for the metro rail project.
In 2011, the UDF government formed the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) for the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL).
Though the DMRC had been entrusted with the metro related works, KMRL was of the opinion that a global tender should be floated for fixing the agency to implement the project.
However, the KMRL later withdrew the plan, following the intervention of the state government.
The Chief Minister also announced that the work would be entrusted with the DMRC.
“The DMRC officials have not received any official communication in this regard. The state government is likely to issue the official order after the reconstitution of KMRL,” said sources within DMRC.
With the Centre giving the green signal for the project, KMRL has to be reconstituted as a joint venture between the Centre and the state.
Once reconstituted, the Central Government would have its representation in the KMRL board.
The state government will also have to take a decision on E Sreedharan’s role in the implementation of the project