An India-China joint venture firm has won the bid for installing 97 escalators in 22 Kochi Metro stations.
The estimate was Rs. 93 crore, but Johnson India and SJEC Corporation China quoted Rs. 73 crore, it is learnt. Ample number of escalators at metro stations is mandatory as per Union Urban Development Ministry guidelines, aimed at regular commuters and those with physical disability. These passenger-friendly initiatives are crucial to ensure adequate patronage for metro. IRCON is learnt to have qualified for installing rail lines for the elevated metro. The tender has not been finalised since the firm quoted 15 per cent over the estimated cost. Talks are likely with metro agencies to bring down the cost.
The bid may even be retendered, it is learnt. The letter of acceptance was issued a week ago to French firm Alstom to supply 75 coaches for the metro. The firm has to supply coaches within 18 months. Both DMRC and KMRL are keen to have a few coaches delivered at least by December 2015 so that trial run can begin in the Aluva-Palarivattom route.
