Aimed at speeding up work on Kochi metro stations, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has offloaded the project’s two main civil contractors from the task of constructing entry and exit of different stations.
With new contractors taking up the works, the main contractors can focus on the construction of 18 stations in the Aluva-M.G. Road metro corridor. Work on many stations encountered delays due to various reasons, the worst hit being the one at Lissie Junction.
“We are able to work only from 11.30 p.m. to 5 a.m. each day since the police have directed us not to disrupt traffic. Moreover, working space on the busy corridor is limited and this is causing delays,” metro sources said.
Work on the metro viaduct and stations have also been hit after several workers left for their hometowns for the festival season and to cast their vote in the upcoming Assembly elections. Currently, work on Kalamassery and Cusat stations is at an advanced stage.
The two contractors deployed by the DMRC will construct the station building, platform, floor, roof, etc., while the interiors will be done by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). The interiors will have a regional flavour and will be decked up on the basis of themes such as Kerala’s nature, cultural and maritime heritage, and achievements in sports.
Customer experience consultant Tata Elxsi has finalised aesthetics and colour scheme of interiors of the metro stations. The Indian Institute of Architects has suggested designs to enhance the exterior appearance of some stations by adapting regional themes. The rest will adhere to standardised design. The KMRL is ready with documents to invite tenders for doing up the interiors and exteriors.
“A few stations will have sculptures and other art works that showcase Kerala’s motifs, done by individual artists and those associated with the Kochi Muziris Biennale. Care will be taken to ensure that the stations make optimal use of natural light and air,” metro sources said.
All the stations will have a minimum parking space, while major stations will have more parking space. Multi-level parking too may be introduced.
