Kochi metro 1

The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director Elias George has admitted to technical differences between KMRL and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC). "Since DMRC is the executing agency for the works, the relationship between KMRL and DMRC is of vital importance. It is true that there have been technical differences and debates between both organizations regarding modalities of project execution; but it is my belief that such lively exchanges will foster critical thinking by all concerned, thus contributing to the quality of the final product," said George, in a four-page letter released to TOI titled "Building Kochi Metro -The Challenges". Further, he said that the construction of the Metro from Vyttila to Pettah and Tripunithura is also dependent on the widening of the Vyttila-Tripunithura road which is to be undertaken by the state PWD. "The state government is expected to provide funds for this purpose shortly; after which the widening works can commence. However, the construction work on the Metro beyond Vyttila can be taken up only after road widening works have been completed. KMRL also needs approval from the central government for undertaking the extension of the metro from Pettah to Tripunithura town," he said.