Page 36 - CO April 2017 Full Issue

interaction COVER STORY Powered by KMRL’s dream is to facilitate a complete integrated transport Kochi was the first tier-2 city in the country to be granted a metro under the Union Government’s scheme. Consequently, the foundation stone for Kochi Metro Rail was laid by the former Prime Minister of India on September 12, 2012 at Kochi. After the project was sanctioned, the Government of Kerala and the Board of Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. took a decision to nominate DMRC as the executing agency for the project in view of the company’s proven expertise in the area. KMRL has set for itself very tight timelines for the completion of the Kochi Metro Rail project. As on date 11 stations are completed out of 22 in the 1st phase. ELIAS GEORGE, MD, KOCHI METRO RAIL LTD spoke to CONSTRUCTION OPPORTUNITIES on the current status of the project and its long term impacts. Current status of the metro rail project d. 750v DC third rail traction, CBTC KMRL is completing 11 stations out of 22 system of Signalling & Train Control stations in the frst phase. e. Integrated multi modal transport facility Expected long term impact f. PPP modal for AFC KMRL’s frst and foremost idea is not only g. Station Teming: Western Ghats, for the metro rail but providing a integrated Spices and Crops, Cultural and Artistic transport programme to the entire Kochi heritage of Kerala, Maritime History region. Diferent transport connectivity are of Kerala. also being planned for Kochi. And we also h. Social Inclusion through have a plan to reduce carbon emission. Kudumbashree i. Vertical garden How will this construction of Metro rail j. Central Command Control Centre project impact the society: k. City wide Wi-Fi Te travel time will reduce for the people l. “Kochi 1” Smart Card from Kochi and nearby places and will m. “Kochi 1” APP reduce the trafc blocks. People will get a n. Solar Panels on Station Roof comfortable journey and also reduce the o. Time Integration accidents on roads. Economic situation will p. Water Transport connectivity improve afer implementation of metro. How do you justify cutting trees for Metro? Any interesting highlights or features Cutting of trees can never be justifed but which distinguish this project from other Kochi Metro project is for the public and Non-motorised Transport plan. metro rail projects? community. For the development of the a. Fully elevated Metro Corridor of country some sacrifces are needed. KMRL Future Outlook length 25.612km initiated to plant more trees in diferent areas KMRL’s dream is to facilitate a complete b. Alignment along North South axis on of Kochi than we cut for the Metro project. integrated transport with reduction of carbon National Highway KMRL has taken up green initiatives for emission in Kochi and also provide a safe and c. 22 stations the metro project like vertical garden and comfortable travel to people of Kochi. u 38 construction opportunities|aPrIL 2017