Govt asks DMRC to extend proposed Kochi Metro to Nedumbaserry

Kochi, Feb 18 (UNI) The Kerala Government has asked the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) to consider extending the proposed Kochi Metro to the Nedumbaserry International Airport as that would generate more revenue while incurring only a minimal increase in cost.

State Fisheries and Registration Minister S Sarma told reporters here today that a team of DMRC officials had conducted a site survey of the proposed three km extension from Aluva to the airport this morning.

''Prima facie, they have not found any obstacles to extend the metro to the airport. The team will submit its report to the higher authorities in DMRC. The State Government will also write to the DMRC on this,'' Mr Sarma said.

As per the present alignment, the Kochi Metro rail would run from Aluva to Tripunithura, a route of 25.3 km, at a cost of Rs 3,000 crore. According to reports, the extension of the metro to Nedumbaserry would entail an additional cost of Rs 300 crore.

On the Vallarpadam issue, Mr Sarma said the State Government had decided to request the Centre to provide jobs to members of the families being displaced by the international container transshipment terminal.

On being asked about the Thrissur vigilance court ordering an inquiry into the lowering of registration fee in the controversial HMT land deal, Mr Sarma said the State Government would inquire into the matter and if any irregularity was found, action would be taken against the officials concerned.

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