Five firms shortlisted for water metro project initiated by Kochi Metro Rail Limited

KOCHI: As many as 15 firms have submitted expressions of interest for the role of general consultant for the Rs 747 crore Water Metro project initiated by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited of which five have been shortlisted by the Metro agency after evaluating the applicants. KMRL will finally select an agency which will be the sole advisor to KMRL on implementing the project. The general consultant will advise the Metro agency on a gamut of matters such as type, size and speed of the vessels to be procured.

Most of the companies which responded to the EoI invitation are consortia having tie-ups with global companies with expertise in the sector. The 15 companies which participated in the tendering process are RCLASS Systems and Solutions Pvt Ltd, Howe engineering projects (India) Pvt Ltd, INROS LACKNER SE, Aecom India Pvt Ltd, Frischmann Prabhu (I) Pvt Ltd, WAPCOS Ltd, Egis India consulting engineers Pvt Ltd, PwC, DNV GL, Kitco Ltd, AVRASYA DENZ TAIMACILII TURZM HZMETLER NAAT SANA, Stup Consultants Pvt Ltd, Feedback Infra Pvt Ltd and Sellhorn Ingenieurgesellschaft mbH.

The selected firm will be responsible for preparing the tender specifications for the project implementation. The Water Metro, funded by the German bank KfW, is expected to dynamically improve the water transport scenario in greater Kochi area. The project envisages development of 16 routes, connecting 38 jetties across 10 islands and spans a total route network of 76 km. As many as 78 modern fuel-efficient, air conditioned boats will be procured under the project which will be fully operational by 2019.