‘Petta-Tripunithura metro extension in first phase’ By K P - TopicsExpress

‘Petta-Tripunithura metro extension in first phase’ By K P Vishnuprasad | ENS - TRIPUNITHURAM Published: 15th October 2013 10:38 AM Last Updated: 15th October 2013 10:38 AM Contrary to the rumours that the extension of Kochi Metro Rail from Petta to Tripunithura may not be possible in the first phase, officials with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) have clarified that the extension would be made in the first phase of the project itself. They also said that the procedures to procure the sanction for the extension from Public Investment Board (PIB) and Central Cabinet are simultaneously progressing along with the ongoing construction work of the first phase. “RITES Ltd, the multi-disciplinary consultancy organisation in the field of transport and infrastructure technologies, which had conducted the feasibility study of the first phase of the Metro Rail project, has already begun the feasibility study of the extension. We will soon be able to submit the detailed study report, including the total expense and route for the extension before the PIB and the Cabinet. We are also confident of securing the sanction before the construction of the Aluva-Petta stretch is completed,” the KMRL spokesperson said. The official also said that the fund for the extension might vary from the earlier estimated fund of the `400 crore. “Earlier, it was a rough estimate but the total fund for the extension in the new estimate prepared by the RITES may vary. The exact cost and possible route for extension of the rail to Tripunithura can be publicised only after the agency submits the feasibility study report to the KMRL,” the spokesperson said. Meanwhile, experts in the industry said that the extension to Tripunithura will be much easier than the other proposed extensions to other parts of the district. “The nine acres of unused land owned by the Steel Authority of India Ltd (SAIL) on the eastern side of the toll bridge, near SN Junction, can be used to set up the terminal station of the Metro. However, in the other proposed extensions, we will have to acquire private land and also evict people. It will also ensure the economic viability of the Metro Rail project and help do away with the need to operate feeder bus services from Petta to Tripunithura,” they said They also said that Petta was thickly-populated and the extension would prevent large-scale eviction in the area. “A large-scale eviction must have to be done to acquire land for the terminal station at Petta. The rehabilitation procedures and subsequent delay can be avoided if the terminal station is built on the unused land of SAIL. Also, this will give connectivity to Tripunithura railway station, located nearby, and to the bus terminal coming up in the area proposed by Tripunithura Municipality,” they said. KMRL sources said that the extension of the rail from Palarivattom to Kakkanad will be conducted in the second phase.