KMRL officials say more rigs will be deployed at vacant worksites like this one at Alinchuvadu as part of the Kakkanad extension of the Kochi metro.
| Photo Credit: R.K. Nithin
With the difference of opinion between the general consultant and the contracting firm on the technical parameters for piles and girders of Kochi Metro’s Kakkanad extension resolved, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) is set to begin casting girders at the yard on HMT-owned land in Kalamassery from March 1, it is learnt.
With the technical issues sorted out, work on the viaduct is set to begin in full swing. More rigs are awaited to commence piling at the numerous barricaded but idle work sites along the 11.20 km extension, which will link the city with the IT hub.
Despite major delays, including the ongoing and inordinate delay in receiving the loan amount and funds assured under the State and Central equities, metro officials expressed confidence in adhering to the June 2026 deadline for completing the viaduct. “With the casting of girders set to begin, we hope to make up for lost time,” they said.
At least two more rigs will be deployed within a week to take ahead the piling work on the viaduct. Over 200 piles have been completed at about half a dozen of the nine metro stations in the proposed extension. Subsequently, work on the piers has begun. Simultaneously, plots of land have been identified for use as pay-and-park facilities since the proposed stations will not have dedicated parking lots, sources said.
They added that the resurfacing of alternative roads to divert traffic has also begun. These include the Puthiya Road-Palachuvadu Road, which takes off from the NH Bypass and runs largely parallel to Civil Line Road.
The inordinate delay in commencing piling within work sites that were barricaded over four months ago on Civil Line Road and beyond, up to the Seaport-Airport Road, had drawn widespread flak from residents’ associations, NGOs – including those representing IT professionals, traders and bus operators.
Published – February 22, 2025 09:42 pm IST
