Latest news with #KochiMetroRailLimited
New Indian Express
11 hours ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Kochi canal rejuvenation project gains momentum
KOCHI: Kochi Mayor M Anilkumar on Friday said the canal rejuvenation programme started under the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System (IURWTS) project is gaining momentum. The Rs 3,716 crore project includes revitalisation of six major canals in Kochi, inland transportation and tourism. 'The project aims to strengthen water transport systems, construct attractive landscaping and walkways along canal banks, improve water quality by removing accumulated waste in the canals, make water flow smooth, and protect the aquatic ecosystem,' Anilkumar said. The Rs 8.4-crore project prepared for the cleaning of Chilavannur canal is set to be launched, he said, adding that the plan for the beautification of the banks of the Chilavannur canal has been submitted for KIIFB approval. 'The plan is to create a walkway and beautiful public spaces along the banks. The stream flowing from the international stadium joins the Chilavannur stream. The Chettichira bridge on Subhash Chandra Bose Road is very narrow, and thus Rs 4.51 crore has been spent on its reconstruction,' he said. The Kochi corporation and the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) have also decided to organise a meeting on the project. It will be attended by Industries Minister P Rajeeve and other people's representatives.
The Hindu
29-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
State government likely to approve Kochi light tram feasibility study soon
Close on the heels of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) forwarding a proposal to the Ministry of Housing and Urban Affairs to conduct a feasibility study to operate light trams in the 6.20-km M.G. Road-Menaka-Park Avenue Road-Jos Junction-M.G. Road-Thevara loop-line corridor, the long-overdue approval of the State government is expected in a week's time for the proposal, it is learnt. Light trams are an improvised version of the bus rapid transport (BRT) system. This was mulled as a loop line of Kochi metro in April last year following a meeting that was held here between Kochi metro officials and their counterparts from HESS Green Mobility, which implemented the light tram services in Brisbane and many other parts of the world. The State's approval is critical for the final nod from the Centre, especially since the Centre is expected to bear the cost of the feasibility study for the first such project in India to operate light trams through a largely-elevated corridor. The State sought details like project estimates, which KMRL provided. Even as the State's approval is awaited, the metro agency has done a bulk of the groundworks to save on time. It is estimated that the mass rapid transport system (MRTS) can be readied at one fourth the cost of the conventional metro rail system, with negligible land acquisition, reliable sources said. The proposal comes at a time when the completion of Kochi metro's 11.20-km-long Kakkanad extension is caught in uncertainty primarily due to the inordinate delay in getting the approximately ₹1200-crore loan that was awaited from the Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB). KMRL had earlier said that the metro's Thripunithura terminal station could be linked with the proposed terminal station of the Kakkanad extension at Infopark by way of a tram network considering the minimal investment in capital and also for land acquisition. KMRL managing director Loknath Behera said that the metro agency had sent a letter to the State government, citing the need for the State's approval in order to get the Centre's nod. 'The State's approval is critical for the Centre to approve and also fund the feasibility study for the light tram service in Kochi. As for a tram service between the metro's terminal stations at Thripunithura and Infopark, it ought to be read with the demand for a conventional metro system in the corridor,' he added. The conclusion of a feasibility study to operate light trams in the 6.2-km MG Road-Menaka-Park Avenue Road-Jos Junction-MG Road-Thevara loop-line corridor is expected to be followed by the preparation of a detailed project report (DPR) for the purpose, it is learnt. Apart from improving patronage in Kochi metro, this would benefit people from Thevara and the densely populated West Kochi region. It would also help link the metro's M.G. Road Station with the Water Metro's High Court terminal. As per estimate, a three-coach electric hybrid light tram having 25-metre length can carry up to 240 passengers. They can be fully recharged in six minutes, while such An MRTS can be readied at less than one-fourth the cost of the conventional metro rail system if its coaches are manufactured in India.
Time of India
23-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Sreekaryam flyover initial construction phase to be completed in three months
Thiruvananthapuram: The major construction phase of Sreekaryam flyover, including stormwater drains, utility ducts, service roads and utility shifting, is expected to be completed within the next three months. The work is progressing at a fast pace despite the monsoon rains. Kochi Metro Rail Limited, the implementing agency, is planning to complete the initial phase in three months to ensure smooth conveyance for commuters and motorists through service roads. Once the initial phase wraps up, the central portion of the road will be cordoned off to facilitate piling and construction of main flyover pillars. Unlike other flyover projects, Sreekaryam's piling work is being executed with enhanced strength and depth, specifically engineered to support the future Metro rail pillars that may run along the divider, an alignment coordinated with the proposed Metro rail corridor in the state capital. Currently, work is going on to complete the infrastructure beneath the elevated carriageway. "Prioritising the service roads and utilities at this stage is essential," said an official close to the project. "It is about laying a strong foundation to ensure safety and minimal disruption when the main overbridge construction begins," the official said. Approved in Sept 2024, the flyover is a flagship element of the city's infrastructure upgrade, aligned with the proposed Metro system. The design features common piers meant to support both the flyover and the Metro pillars, optimising land use and reducing duplication. Project cost stands around Rs 170–177 crore, encompassing civil works, land acquisition, utility shifting and service road construction. Funding has been arranged through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). An earlier tender awarded to the construction firm serving as the main contractor quoted Rs 71.38 crore for the flyover structure, including negotiations to bring the estimate just above the technical sanction of Rs 61 crore, allowing swift commencement to avoid delays. The land acquisition covering approximately 1.34 hectares from 168 affected parties across Cheruvakkal, Ulloor and Pangappara was completed late 2024 and demolition of existing structures concluded prior to full mobilisation in early 2025. In Jan 2025, the contractor started mobilising equipment and labour, with the four-lane flyover extending 535m and its carriageway measuring 7.5m wide. In addition, 5.5m service roads flank both sides, with 1.5m footpaths incorporated for pedestrian use. "Shifting utilities and completing stormwater drains along the length there are the priorities now," said the official. "We are making sure commuters can use the parallel service roads without hindrance," he added. With the underdrainage, ducts and relocations nearing completion, the next major activity will be piling the central columns. These foundations, laid to Metro-compatible specifications, will uphold a flyover capable of carrying both surface traffic and Metro infrastructure, said a site engineer. A total of Rs 98 crore has been disbursed to the landowners who conceded land for the project. A total of 168 buildings were razed as part of the project. In 2016, the govt green-lit the construction of flyovers at Sreekaryam, Pattom and Ulloor for a total cost of Rs 272 crore as part of the proposed Metro rail project. However, the flyover projects at Pattom and Ulloor will be implemented only after finalising the alignment of the Metro project.
The Hindu
21-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
Extension of Kochi Water Metro service proposed in developing Kadambrayar as a tourism destination
Extending the Kochi Water Metro service using feeder boats from Kakkanad to Kadambrayar in Ernakulam for sustainable, efficient, and eco-friendly transit for tourists and Infopark professionals figured among the recommendations included in a Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed enhancement of Kadambrayar tourism destination centre. A well-designed, eco-friendly boat jetty has been proposed to facilitate the service. A floating or fixed reinforced cement concrete jetty based on water conditions, covered passenger waiting area with seating, safety railings, signage, and lighting, information display about the water metro schedules, easy pedestrian access from the riverfront promenade and integrated CCTV and Wi-Fi zones for safety and digital access are some of the features proposed for the jetty. 'We have already discussed the proposal with the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, and the outcome has been, by and large, positive. A more detailed discussion will have to be held,' said P.V. Sreenijin, Kunnathunadu MLA. Smaller boats He said that boats smaller than those used for the water metro services will have to be designed for the proposed service, considering the lack of vertical clearance under the Brahmapuram Bridge. The project has already received administrative sanction from the government. Once the technical sanction is also granted, the tourism department will tender it. The ₹3.50 crore project was approved during the chief minister's Nava Kerala Sadas. The DPR, however, proposes a three-phased development with an estimated investment of ₹5.50 crores. The first phase proposes a walkway widening, lighting, parking, and a café at an estimated ₹2 crores to be completed in six months. The second phase includes a proposed amphitheatre, gym, a boat jetty and parking facilities at an investment of another ₹2 crores in six months. Beautification and other amenities for ₹1.50 crores have been proposed in the final phase. The DPR observes that the Kadambrayar riverfront, with its natural beauty and ideal urban-rural interface, presents an exceptional opportunity for Kerala to showcase a sustainable tourism success story. It concludes that through targeted interventions, smart infrastructure, and community involvement, Kadambrayar can be developed as a model riverfront destination attracting urban professionals, families, and global tourists alike.
The Hindu
17-06-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
KMRL submits feasibility study report for Water Metro project in Mumbai
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is in the process of expanding its footprint nationwide, with its consultancy division submitting a comprehensive feasibility study report to implement a Water Metro ferry system in Mumbai to Nitish Rane, the Ports and Fisheries Minister of Maharashtra. Modelled on the lines of the Kochi Water Metro project, the report would cover the entire Mumbai Metropolitan Region (MMR). The proposed project envisions connecting various waterbodies including Vaitarna, Vasai, Manori, Thane, Panvel, and Karanja creeks, effectively covering the entire MMR. It outlines a 250-kilometre waterway network with 29 terminals and 10 routes, says a KMRL release. The feasibility study was presented at a high-level meeting chaired by Mr. Rane in Mumbai. The KMRL team was led by Chief General Manager Shaji P. Janardhanan, Senior Deputy General Manager Nishanth N. and Manager Arjun Krishna K.
