Kochi metro floats tenders for Pettah-SN metro stretch

Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is all set to start the construction of its first metro line, with the agency inviting tenders from design consultants for the 1.50-km Pettah-SN Junction (Thripunithura) metro stretch. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has been executing all work involving in the Kochi metro till now and that the process of land acquisition is in place to kick start the project. Moreover, DMRC, which built the rest of the metro viaduct, wanted land to be handed over to it by June, said KMRL sources. The extension work from Pettah will arm KMRL with the experience to construct the metro‘s 11-km Kakkanad extension which is awaiting Central nod. A revised detailed project report (DPR) submitted by the agency is awaiting the Centre‘s clearance. The tenders for the Thripunithura extension expected to cost about Rs. 335 crore be submitted soon and the work will be awarded latest by August, claimed sources.