NHAI objects Kochi Metro construction
Kochi- The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has raised an objection against the launch of Kochi Metro work without first acquiring land for widening the national highway along which the metro over-bridge has been proposed to be constructed.
The Kerala government is all set to launch the project as soon as the Terms of Engagement is finalised while the NHAI has posed objection. The NHAI is yet to give clearance for Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to start the construction of the metro viaduct on the stretch of the National Highway 47 between Aluva and Edappally.
However, the government is not satisfactory with the Authority’s condition of land acquisition before commencing the project. It said that acquiring additional land is not a practical proposition owing to the opposition from local residents and the high cost that is likely to be involved in the process.
The Kochi Metro project has been estimated to cost Rs 5,131.70 crore with 15.25 percent equity participation each by the Centre and the State. It is expected that various delays and controversies might increase the cost further.
The State government is hurrying up with the matter in order to ensure that there will be no much delay caused to the project because of NHAI’s objection.
In an alternative way, the government has planned to make necessary arrangements for maintaining the present volume of traffic flow along the stretch while the construction of the metro line is carried on.
Chief Minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy, has marked the issue with high-priority and is likely to seek attention of the central government regarding the various demand of the State. Sources close to Chief Minister’s office said that the CM has planned to hold discussions with Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways C.P. Joshi in order to seek their directives to the NHAI to give permission to KMRL to undertake the work without further land acquisition.
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