Amid unprecedented enthusiasm and jubilation of Kochiites, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Thursday laid the foundation stone for the Kochi Metro Rail project, realising a long-cherished dream of the state itself.
Kochi indeed can hope to get a world class Metro rail network if what the PM himself has envisaged for the growing city is accomplished by all concerned.
Speaking after laying the foundation stone for the project, he said, “Kochi will be the eighth Indian city with a Metro network under construction. I hope the Kochi Metro Rail Limited will build the Kochi Metro Rail efficiently, and will produce a rail network of the highest quality in the quickest possible time. With numerous important projects being planned and implemented in and around the city, the future will see Kochi as one of the best urban centres of the world.”
The Prime Minister said the unprecedented managerial and policy challenges thrown up by the high speed of urbanisation must be addressed with courage and determination.
Chief Minister Oommen Chandy said in his address that the state government will take steps to extend the Kochi Metro Rail to Nedumbassery and Kakkanad before the completion of the first phase.