Kochi: Water metro gains speed

Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has awarded the contract for construction of three boat terminals for Kochi Water Metro at Vyttila, Eroor and Kakkanad.

The metro operator awarded the contract to Marymatha Construction Company for the construction of terminals.

The three terminals are part of the first phase of the ambitious project linking a network of boat services to the rapid transit system.  

"With the selection of a construction company through the tendering process, we have moved one more step closer to the realisation of the project. We have already received no objection certificates for government lands for the project, and we expect to start the construction soon," said KMRL managing director A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish.

There were four bidders. The tender was awarded for Rs 29.67 crore.

Vyttila terminal will have 25,000 sq ft, including commercial area, and it will be the biggest in terms of space. The operations control centre will also function from here.

The tender procedure for building terminals at High Court, Fort Kochi and Mattancherry, Vypeen and Bolgatty is progressing.

The first phase of the German bank KfW-funded project will be commissioned in 10 months by December 2019, with 19 terminals and a fleet of 23 electric-powered boats with a carrying capacity of 100 passengers.

The water metro is expected to bring dynamic improvement in the water transport scenario of Kochi.

The KMRL will also develop infrastructure and connectivity in islands.