The 10th director board meeting of Kochi Metro Rail Limited in New Delhi on Tuesday is expected to finalise a few technical parameters for the project.
These include specifications such as coach dimensions and a proposal to substitute overhead power lines with lines to be laid parallel to the tracks.
Changes suggested
The KMRL’s sub-committee concerned had recently suggested changes to these two aspects. Though the plan was to begin operating the metro with three coaches per train, it was later suggested that it ply with three to six coaches.
The board is also likely to finalise a sub-committee to prepare a contractual agreement (MoU) between the KMRL and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), implementing agency for the metro.
Environmental impact
The board is also likely to invite expression of interest (EoI) from firms to do a social and environmental impact assessment of the project.
An EoI will also be invited for finalising a new resettlement and rehabilitation plan, a KMRL spokesperson said.
The ninth Board meeting had entrusted KMRL’s MD Elias George the task of exploring the availability of alternative funding options, apart from a loan proposed from the Japanese Bank for International Cooperation. A report on this would be submitted on Tuesday.
