Permission was given to KMRL to start work including approval for crossing the railway track
File picture of Kochi Metro. (photo: DC/Archive)
KOCHI: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited, which has been negotiating with the Southern Railways for permission to start construction at the Ernakulam junction railway station premises, has finally succeeded in getting the nod.
At a meeting with the Railways authorities held in Chennai last week, permission was given to KMRL to start work including approval for crossing the railway track, though on specific conditions and exorbitant charges. With this the Metro agency can start work in the South giving a momentum to the Metro project.
“Railways have given an in-principle nod to use their land near Ernakulam south railway station and to cross the railway track. A high-level team of KMRL was in Chennai last week to hold discussions with the Railways authorities,”said KMRL managing director Elias George.
The KMRL has to pay nearly Rs 21 crore as compensation to the Railways for using its land and reconstruct 92 staff quarters. “The KMRL has submitted a proposal and revised plan to the divisional railway manager. Once the final order is received, work can start on the stretch ahead of which utility lines have to be shifted,” said sources at KMRL.
Meanwhile, Rajesh Chandran, area manager, Thiruvananthapuram division of Southern Railways told this newspaper that the nod was given on certain conditions. “Final approval will be given after the KMRL reverts on the conditions put forward by Railways,” he said.
Ernakulam south is one of the major points on the Kochi Metro route, and it is a point where the road, railway and Metro network meet. The Metro station in the area will come up at the city corporation owned land near the Government Girls’ High School where an old building is situated. The land is yet to be acquired and traders in the building have to be rehabilitated.
Meanwhile, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has already started the tendering process for reconstruction of railway staff quarters and shifting of utility lines is underway.
( Source : dc )
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