Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is set to begin construction on the viaduct and CEZ Metro station for the Phase II (Pink Line) project on Saturday, September 7. The inauguration will be led by Industry Minister P Rajeeve at 2 p.m. at the proposed CEZ Metro station, in the presence of MP Hibi Eden and MLA Uma Thomas.

Afcons Infrastructure Ltd, awarded the Rs 19.57 billion Pink Line project, will commence piling works for the 11.2 km viaduct, which they will construct for Rs 11.41 billion over a 20-month period. If completed on schedule, Kochi Metro will achieve the title of India's fastest metro construction agency, with the entire Phase II project expected to be finished in two years.

The Asian Infrastructure Investment Bank (AIIB) has approved Rs 9.14 billion in financial assistance for the project, with KMRL planning to sign the contract with AIIB in October. Soil tests, test pilings, and a topography survey have already been conducted along the proposed route from JLN Stadium to Infopark.

New stations will be constructed at Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, KINFRA, and Infopark. KMRL aims to complete system and signalling work within four months after the viaduct is finished. However, a meeting to discuss alternate routes to reduce traffic congestion during construction is still pending. (ET)