MLAs clueless about progress of Metro work

KOCHI: The MLAs from Ernakulam and Tripunithura constituencies are clueless about the progress of Kochi Metro works from Maharaja’s College to Pettah or SN Junction at Tripunithura.
While there is clarity on when the project would become operational between Aluva and Maharaja’s College, the MLAs who are generally vocal about Metro’s development maintained silence on the progress of the work along the remaining stretch.
“No serious talks have been held on the progress of the project from Maharaja’s College to Pettah or SN Junction at Tripunithura. Though they have assured that the work would take place there is no clue on how they would go forward,” said M Swaraj, MLA representing Tripunithura constituency. He also said that in the coming days he would take up the matter with Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) and Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
The DMRC had invited fresh tenders for undertaking civil works on two stretches and a bridge between the college and Pettah or SN Junction in July 2016. The Metro authority went for retendering after ‘off-loading’ contractors, who were earlier awarded these works. So far DMRC has not been able to finalize these tenders and go ahead with the work.
“The Metro authorities have maintained that there were issues regarding land acquisition in this stretch. There were also some disputes with the railway. But, I don’t have an idea of the latest position of land acquisition. There is no information regarding the latest tenders. In fact this subject has never come up for discussions in any of the meeting convened by the Metro authorities,” said Hibi Eden, MLA representing Ernakulam constituency. He also said when he made a calling attention in the assembly he got a reply that some of the contractors were asked to discontinue, and that new contractors would be awarded works.
Even when the Metro authorities take pains to convey developments of Kochi Metro and associated projects, they are groping in the dark when it comes to execution of work to Pettah. “In the last meeting held with KMRL, they said they have plans to take Metro to west Kochi. This statement was made at a time when they are unable to provide the status of the work in an already approved stretch,” said K J Maxi, MLA representing Kochi constituency.