Kochi metro’s contractors have warned of withdrawing from the project’s civil works because of the ongoing quarry strike.
Work affected
Representatives of Larsen & Toubro (L&T) handed over a letter to the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the project’s implementing agency, on Saturday stating that they were not interested in continuing with the metro’s civil works on the Aluva-Palarivattom stretch.
They said frequent quarry agitations and labour unrest affected the work schedule and caused wastage of resources.
The strike had been continuing in Ernakulam district, while it had been called off in other districts, a DMRC spokesperson said. Efforts to bring material from adjacent districts have also failed.
The agitations will ultimately increase the project cost since idling charge has to be paid to owners of hydraulic rigs and other equipment. Workers too have to be paid their wages.
Workers leave city
Around 50 per cent of the skilled work force has already left Kochi for celebrating Holi, citing no work. Even if the strike is called off and contractors resume work, it will take a few weeks' time to mobilise men and resources.
