The Kochi Metro's second phase, which runs from JLN Stadium to Kakkanad, has been delayed due to land acquisition issues and delays in the commencement of work. As a result, the project cost has escalated, and the revised estimate has been set at Rs 1,957.05 crore. The state cabinet has granted approval for the revised estimate, which is expected to speed up the work on the Metro line's second phase.
The Kochi Metro's second phase, which runs from JLN Stadium to Kakkanad, has been delayed due to land acquisition issues and delays in the commencement of work. As a result, the project cost has escalated, and the revised estimate has been set at Rs 1,957.05 crore. The state cabinet has granted approval for the revised estimate, which is expected to speed up the work on the Metro line's second phase.
Last year, Prime Minister Narendra Modi laid the foundation stone for the 11.2km-long Phase II corridor of the Kochi Metro. However, despite earlier announcements by KMRL authorities that construction would begin in January, the work has yet to start. This delay has caused concerns that the project's cost could escalate further.
KMRL authorities cancelled the tendering process for the general consultancy (GC) contract for the second phase of the work last week, after Systra MVA emerged as the lowest bidder with a bid that was significantly higher than the original estimate. KMRL will invite a fresh tender for general consultants once again, and the re-tender process will take approximately one month as the entire tendering process will be repeated.
The Phase II corridor of the Kochi Metro will have a total of 11 stations. The revised estimate of Rs 1,957.05 crore has been granted administrative sanction by the state cabinet, and this approval is expected to help speed up the work on the second phase of the Metro line. The revised estimate has been necessary because of the delay in land acquisition and commencement of work, which has led to the escalation of the project's cost.
The Kochi Metro is one of India's fastest-growing metro systems, with plans to expand its network further in the coming years. The new line from JLN Stadium to Kakkanad is expected to significantly improve connectivity in the area, providing better access to employment opportunities and other amenities for residents. The Kochi Metro has already helped to reduce traffic congestion and air pollution in the city, and the second phase of the project is expected to further enhance these benefits.
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