Concept design of a station in the Kakkanad extension of the Kochi Metro.
Piling for the 11.20-km Kakkanad extension of the Kochi Metro will begin in March and all efforts will be made to complete the civil, electrical and rail-laying works by March 2025, Loknath, managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Behra) has said.
A unique construction sequence, thereby deviating from established practices, will be adopted to complete the viaduct within the time limit. He said that the work related to electronics and IT would take a few more months.
Asked whether the stations on the route would be more attractive, as assured earlier, Mr Behera said the emphasis has been on their aesthetics and ease of use. “A team of young engineers has drawn up their conceptual designs, which look different from the 24 stations on the Aluva-Thripunithura SN Junction section (Phase-1 of the Metro). There will be state-of-the-art signages like the London Metro.
Metro agency officials said in 2022 the emphasis would be on faster access to platforms and commercial spaces of stations to entice commuters to the Mass Rapid Transport System (MRTS), customers to shops and office visitors. Space spread over envisaged commercial space in various stations, 24×7. The agency also considered limiting stations to two floors with platforms built at the concourse level.
The metro agency had a tough task of finding firms and shops to occupy commercial space spread over a vast area in 24 stations in phase one of the metro. It consisted of 4.30 lakh sq.ft. The space at Vadakkekotta station, which was built to generate non-ticketing revenue for the operation and maintenance of all metros.
The preparatory work for widening the Civil Line Road and other roads under the proposed metro corridor is currently underway. Utilities such as pipelines, power and telecom cables have either been shifted or are in progress. Similarly, in the areas where land has been acquired, the work of making drains and ducts is being completed. Metro sources said the wiring work is expected to begin in a fortnight, after electric poles and transformers will be shifted.
On sourcing funds for the construction of the viaduct in the wake of French lending agency AFD backing out of the loan, he said discussions are on with other agencies to get alternative loans. He said that the initial works can be started by using the funds ensured by the Central and State Governments.