Infrastructure sector projects by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd in Kochi

5801

Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd

It has been a long time coming. Almost a decade-and-a-half after first demanding a railway overbridge (ROB), the residents of Pachalam will, finally, get to see work on their dream project get underway on Monday as the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) commences work. Though the Southern Railway had sanctioned the Pachalam ROB in 1999-2000, it took more than a decade for the state government to take up the project. According to DMRC, the project was delayed due to problems involved in land acquisition. Following popular agitations, the Metro authority was given the task of executing the project as part of Kochi Metro's preparatory works. The detailed project report (DPR), prepared by DMRC, was submitted by the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) for the approval of state government. The two-lane ROB, envisaged by DMRC, requires a minimum land acquisition of 46 cents. The project is estimated to cost Rs 52 crore. "The railway will share 50% of the cost. This excludes the amount required for land acquisition," said a DMRC spokesperson. The Pachalam level crossing is considered one of the busiest between Shoranur Junction and Ernakulam Junction. As per data, as many as 3,85,563 train vehicle units (103 trains) pass through this level crossing. Around 4,773 vehicles, excluding two-wheelers, also take the Pachalam level cross. Though DMRC's principal adviser E Sreedharan had agreed to complete the project in 180 days, the Metro agency will be able to stick to the schedule only if the district administration completes the land acquisition on time. "The Metro authority will be able to start work on the Chittoor side of the ROB without waiting for land acquisition. But if they start work on the Kacherippady side, land acquisition will have to be completed," said a senior officer associated with the project. DMRC will require about 320 sq m of land on Chittoor side and 726 square meters of land on the Kacherippady side. If land acquisition is not competed on time, Metro agencies will be forced to compensate the contractor. Funds should also be made available for the timely completion of the project. The state government has to also issue an order authorizing DMRC. As of now, there has been a cabinet decision, according administrative sanction for the project. If DMRC is to stick to its schedule, the city police will also have to agree to close Chittoor Road and divert traffic.

INR 52 Crore /-

Advanced Stages of Commissioning

Kochi

Kerala

India

Infrastructure