Kerala :Light Metro may get a poll push

Kerala:Light Metro may get a poll push

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram have been hoping for a rapid transit system since 2012. First, the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac) suggested a monorail as a solution, Later, the idea was found to be unworkable due to the high amount quoted by bidders. At this juncture, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) proposed light metro as a possible solution.

However, the project was muddled in controversy as there was not much clarity in the detailed project report (DPR). As 2015 dawns, the UDF government is in a hurry to push the dream project so that it can garner some mileage during the upcoming polls. Thus, the year ends with rekindled hopes for a rapid transit system.

Though there were objections from the state finance department over the appointment of DMRC as general consultant for the project, chief minister Oommen Chandy recently issued a directive to Kerala Rapid Transit Corporation to appoint DMRC as interim consultant. The department had reservations in appointing an agency without inviting a global tender.

The appointment of DMRC as a consultant was discussed several times in the cabinet, but no decision was taken for a long time. Chandy's final step was to appointment the agency as interim consultant, keeping in mind the upcoming assembly elections to silence critics. The BJP and CPM had blamed the government for its laxity in implementing the light metro plan.

The government managed to submit the DPR and the comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) for the two cities, two crucial documents to get the green light from the Union ministry of urban affairs. "The Union government has sought some clarifications on certain aspects like ridership in the CMP. We have sent a detailed clarification. The DPR will be approved only after several levels of scrutiny," said PWD secretary APM Mohammed Hanish.

Though government is in a hurry to push the project, the lack of candour is visible as it has not taken primary measures to implement the project. One of the major issues before the project is widening of roads. It has also failed to ask DMRC to make corrections in the DPR though the finance department had pointed out a number of flaws.

Chugging along

*A monorail was proposed by Natpac for T'puram and Kozhikode in 2012

*After inviting tenders, the project got a single bidder who quoted an exorbitant rate

*DMRC then proposed a light metro in 2014

Source :Times Of India