Kochi: The land acquisition for the Kochi Metro construction works in the 1.2 km Pettah-SN Junction stretch finally started on Friday when 14 land owners handed over the plots as "advance possession". "A total of 14 plots have been acquired as advance possession so that the construction works in the reach can be started as early as possible. This includes a 30-cent plot where the proposed SN Junction metro station is coming up," said a senior Revenue official.The authorities are expecting an in-principal approval from the state government to hasten land acquisition and target completion of the process by March end.
"Land acquisition process in Phase-1 extension reach is in final stage. The road widening and station construction works will be started soon. A meet was held with land owners and various residents associations as part of speeding up the process," said a Kochi Metro spokesperson.
A total of one hectare and 12 Are is required to be acquired from 160 individuals and shop-owners. Though the initial target was January, the process took a little more time due to unseen challenges like the August flood and the frequent hartals.
The state government already handed over Rs 109 crore to the district administration for providing compensation to the land owners.
The Tripunithura extension, at an estimated cost of Rs 356 crore includes construction of two additional lane on the Panamkutty Bridge at Pettah, viaduct construction and two stations namely Vadakkekotta and S N Junction.
