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Mr Tom Jose, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, said that the Planning Commission has given the nod for the proposed Kochi Metro Rail project. He added that the only delay is in getting the equity participation of the Centre, which will be resolved soon.
Speaking at the Metro Round Table jointly organised by Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) here, he pointed out that the Centre's equity participation is necessary for obtaining loan from Japan at a low interest rate of 1.40 per cent. However, land acquisition will be a major concern for upgrading roads in the city, he added.
Mr Jose said that the proposed metro rail project in Kochi will ensure enhanced quality of life for people in the city. It was high time for Kochi, which is a home to over 2.5 million people and with a floating population of about 3-5 lakh, to adopt a mass rapid transport mode. Explaining the advantages of Metro rail over road transport, he said that the energy consumption is five times lower for the former.
The proposed 25-km stretch Metro Rail will be from Aluva to Pettah covering 23 stations. Completion of Rail Over Bridge at North & Salim Rajan Road and widening of approach road at Ernakulam South, MG Road and Banerjee Road is in the preparatory works.
The second phase will analyse the possibility of connecting the Metro Rail to Nedumbassery, Boat Jetty, High Court and so on. Mr Jose also said that exploiting water transport is not a substitute for Metro Rail as major points of action are located on the land and one cannot replace the other.
Mr T. Elangovan, Director Grade Scientist, NATPAC, suggested that Kochi needs alternate transport system as the public transport is not adequate. Every six years, the vehicle population gets doubled whereas there is no change in infrastructural facilities. The present roads in the city cannot meet the demand.
Mr K.J. Sohan, Chairman, Town Planning Standing Committee, Kochi Corporation, spoke about the potential of waterways, Memu services and suburban trains.
Dr Gopinath Panangad, former Director, Kerala State Literary Mission, pointed out that the metro rail stations should be well connected with other transport facilities so that the people travelling did not find it difficult to reach their desired destinations from the metro stations.
Mr D. Dhanuraj, Chairman, CPPR, welcomed the gathering. Mr K. N Marzook, Chairman, Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry, gave the presidential address.
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