DMRC to execute Kochi Metro Rail project

Former DMRC chairman E.Sreedharan with chief minister Oommen Chandy at the Planning Board meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday

Ending all doubts, Kerala’s first Metro Rail Project at Kochi is all set to become a reality with the state government deciding to entrust Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with the task of executing the project under the leadership of former DMRC Chief E Sreedharan.

Talking to reporters after a meeting with Sreedharan here today, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy categorically said Sreedharan would lead the project under DMRC. “When Sreedharan is here, naturally DMRC also will be with the project”, Chandy said ending controversy over government move to call for global tenders for the Rs 5200 crore Kochi Metro Rail project.

Reuters

All confusion over the project has been cleared’,Sreedharan said, adding, DMRC would complete the project in three years time once the project was sanctioned.

Already the DMRC is implementing some of the infrastructure work connected with the project envisaged to have rail transport system on elevated platform between Aluwye and Poonithura over a distance of about 30 km.

Sreedharan,member of the state planning board, said he would be the principal advisor of the project. However, he was ready to accept the post of Chairman of the joint company that would execute the project if state government recommends him as Centre’s nominee.

Sreedharan also assured the state government that there would not be any problem to get loan from Japanese international Cooperation Agency without going for global tenders.

Former Delhi Metro Rail Corporation managing director, Mr E. Sreedharan, said that the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd formed for the Metro was needed and would continue even if DMRC was made the implementing agency for the project.

He said here on Wednesday that there was no confrontation with the special purpose body or its head and unnecessary controversies should be avoided. KMRL might be reconstituted once it receives the central nod. “Then half of its representatives, including the chairman, will be from the Centre,” he said.

“KMRL wanted to do the project by itself. We explained the various challenges to them and how DMRC would come in handy. We’re not in confrontation at all. It’s just that a final decision has not been made,” he explained.

“KMRL will deal with arranging funds, land acquisition, the issue of licences and monitor the work,” he told Kochi mayor Mr Tony Chammani and MLA Mr Hibi Eden who came to meet him.

He also said, “If KMRL appoints other consultants, it would spend about seven to eight per cent on establishment costs. Though our standard rate is nine per cent there will be a concession.