DMRC to have limited role in Kochi Metro

The Union Urban Development Ministry plans to curtail the Delhi Metro's role in Kochi Metro, citing that it should concentrate on the upcoming Phase III project in Delhi rather than taking newer projects "outside". The decision comes despite the Kerala government's insistence that Delhi Metro should execute the Metro project in Kochi with its former managing director E Sreedharan as the principal adviser.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had written to Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to handover the Rs 5,181 crore Metro project to the DMRC.

Sources said that the ministry is preparing a document, listing the reasons why the DMRC should have a limited role in execution of the Kochi Metro.

"A detailed document is being prepared stating that the priority for the DMRC is the completion of the 140 km-long Phase III corridor. The note will state that the focus right now is to meet the March 2016 deadline. The Delhi Metro already has too many projects in its hands. It has been decided that entrusting the responsibility of execution of another project will burden the resources. The metro takes technical expertise from the Railways, and handing over Kochi project will also result in a manpower crunch," said a senior official.

The underconstruction Phase III Metro aims to connect two major arterial roads — the Ring road and Outer Ring road. The project will also provide Faridabad in Haryana metro connectivity. Officials said the document will highlight the recently approved corridors under the extension plan of Phase III — interiors of Haryana and Uttar Pradesh, Monorail and Jaipur Metro.

The document will be discussed at the Board of Directors meeting of the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, slated to be held next month. Secretary, Urban Development Ministry, is the chairman of the 10-member board, which includes five representatives from the Kerala government and the rest nominated by the Central government. Based on submission of the documents, a final call will be taken by the Board meeting next month, added the official.

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