Kochi Metro enters final phase

Kochi: Kick-starting construction in the nine-km final reach of the Kochi Metro Phase I, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has appointed Cherian Varkey Construction Company and Vijay Nirman Constructions (CVCC & VNC). It would extend from Maharajas College to South Station and from Kunnara Park to Pettah. “We’ve selected CVCC & VNC as the contractor for the last section. There is no delay in the work, though the land acquisition issue is yet to be resolved,” said E. Sreedharan, principal advisor, DMRC, on the sidelines of a function here Saturday. The Rs 300 crore project will include elevated viaduct, besides three metro stations – Ernakulam South, Thaikkudam and Petta, including architectural finishing, plumbing and electrical works.

“The construction till Pettah is aimed to be completed in 20 months by March 2019. However, the land needs to be handed over to us without delay in some stretches especially after Thykoodam,” an official said. “Initially the work up to Pettah will be taken up. Concerning the two-km Pettah-S N Junction section, the final nod is yet to come. The same will be taken up later and is targeted to be completed in three years.” The CVCC is a Kochi-based company, while VNC is a Vizag firm. The consortium quoted Rs 395 crore, which is approximately 35 per cent higher than DMRC's estimate, said sources.

In January, the DMRC had to cancel the first tender after only two firms responded. Meanwhile, the DMRC was also forced to cancel the tender floated for construction of the overbridge across Champakara canal as the rehabilitation of traders, especially the fish market there, are yet to be taken up. “We’re yet to be handed over the land beyond Thykoodam, and also the rehabilitation of the traders is pending. The tender was cancelled as contractors will suffer losses if heavy equipment and personnel they bring in lie idle,” the official said.