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Kochi Metro's Pink Line project secures AIIB funding, construction underway

#Top Stories#India#Kerala#Kochi
Last Updated : 4th Sep, 2024
Synopsis

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a INR 914 crore loan for Kochi Metro's Phase II, specifically for the Pink Line, connecting JLN Stadium to Infopark. Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) initiated construction in July with state funds due to delayed AIIB funding, and will sign the loan contract in October. Afcons Infrastructure Ltd will build the 11.2 km via duct for INR 1,141 crore, aiming to complete it within 20 months. The Pink Line, costing INR 1,957 crore in total, includes ten new stations, with system and signaling work expected to finish four months afterward.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved a substantial loan of INR 914 crore for the second phase of Kochi Metro's expansion, which focuses on constructing the Pink Line. This new line will stretch from JLN Stadium to Infopark, significantly enhancing connectivity in the region. The Beijing-headquartered AIIB's support comes at a crucial time, as the construction was initially funded by the Kerala state government due to delays in securing international funding.


Loknath Behera, the managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), confirmed that the contract with AIIB will be finalised in October. However, to avoid delays, KMRL commenced the initial construction work in early July using state-sanctioned funds. This proactive approach ensured that the project stayed on track despite the temporary funding gap.

The Pink Line project, which is 11.2 kilometres long, will be built by Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, a company awarded the contract for constructing the viaduct. The contract is valued at INR 1,141 crore. The entire project, with a total cost of INR 1,957 crore, is expected to be completed within 20 months. This ambitious timeline positions Kochi Metro as a potential record-holder for the fastest metro construction in India.

The new Pink Line will include ten stations at strategic locations: Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, KINFRA, and Infopark. These stations are expected to significantly improve accessibility and reduce travel time for commuters in Kochi, particularly in the rapidly developing Kakkanad area.

In addition to the civil construction, which is targeted for completion within 20 months, KMRL plans to finalise the system and signalling works within an additional four months. This comprehensive approach ensures that the entire Pink Line will be operational soon after the construction of the viaduct and stations, thus offering a seamless transition for the public to start using the new metro line.

In summary, the AIIB's substantial loan of INR 914 crore will enable the construction of Kochi Metro's 11.2 km Pink Line, which is expected to be completed within 20 months. This new line will significantly enhance connectivity in the region, with ten strategic stations improving accessibility and reducing travel time for commuters. The comprehensive approach, including civil construction and system/signalling works, aims to ensure the Pink Line becomes operational soon after completion, providing a seamless transition for the public.

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