Kakkanad metro realignment unscientific, says action council

KOCHI: A people’s action council has opposed the new alignment of the Kakkanad line of the Metro labelling it unscientific and very expensive. While addressing a press conference at Ernakulam Press Club on Friday, representatives of the Palarivattom – Kakkanad Metro Realignment Action Council alleged that the realignment proposed by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited would affect hundreds of traders and landowners.

“If KMRL continues with the present plan, it will result in a big loss to the state exchequer as a huge compensation has to be paid to the evacuees. This will escalate the project cost manifold. Hundreds of traders will lose their means of living as well,” said Dr. Alexander, office bearer of the action council.

KMRL has asked the Rail India Technical and Economic Service (RITES) to rework the Kakkanad alignment, but barring exemptions to a couple of highrises no major changes were made.