KOCHI: Uncertainty looms large over the date of commissioning of the Kochi Metro, with the DMRC and KMRL on different pages with regard to the scale of work pending at metro stations.
According to DMRC officials, 99% work at the 11 stations in the Aluva-Palarivattom corridor will be over by the time the Commissioner for Metro Rail Safety (CMRS) inspects it. However, their counterparts in KMRL contest this, saying it is too far-fetched since only 70% work at the stations is over. Such claims and counter-claims in the eleventh hour have left Kochiites wondering whether the metro will operate in the 13-km corridor in April as expected.
“All work at six metro stations will be over by the time the CMRS inspects the corridor in the first week of April. At present, 99% work is over, and the rest will be completed by April 10. Wall-cladding using aluminium panels and granite tiles might take a few more days at Pulinchodu, Ambattukavu, and Companypady stations. Work on the southern entry/exit of Edappally station and the northern side of Changampuzha Park station are suffering delay since they were taken up late,” KMRL officials said.
They added that the CMRS inspection would focus on track, platform, and passenger amenities like toilets and the mandated corridors. These will be ready in another four days at all 11 stations. Installation of CCTVs will be completed in a fortnight.
KMRL sources said the DMRC was to hand over all stations in the corridor to KMRL in August 2016 for the metro agency to begin finishing touches and work on aesthetics. “We even arranged contractors to carry out works like mural paintings and additional passenger amenities that KMRL ought to do. However, not a single station has been handed over so far,” they added.
“According to our estimate, 90% work is over at Kalamassery and Cusat stations, while only 70% has been completed at the rest,” the officials said.
Reacting to this, a DMRC official said finishing work on the exteriors of stations could be done even after the corridor is commissioned, without inconveniencing passengers.
Palarivattom-MG Road stretch
On works pending in the 6-km Palarivattom-Maharaja’s College ground corridor, DMRC sources said all work would be completed by August, four months after the Aluva-Palarivattom stretch is ready.
“Track-laying is over, while work on the third traction and installation of signals and telecommunication equipment has begun. This will be over by June, followed by two months of trial runs. The CMRS is expected to inspect the stretch in August.
