Kochi Metro Phase II faces delays over land acquisition

21 Nov 2024 CW Team

The Kochi Metro Rail Limited's (KMRL) Phase II expansion, connecting JLN Stadium to Kakkanad, has been delayed due to prolonged land acquisition processes. Revenue authorities have extended the validity of the 11(1) land acquisition notification by six months, delaying the issuance of the 19(1) notification for several key stations. While the 11(1) notification has been issued for stations at Palarivattom, Kakkanad, CSEZ, Chitethukara, and Kinfra, only CSEZ and Chitethukara have moved forward with the 19(1) notification. According to the revenue department's order, the notification's validity has been extended until April 2025 for stations along the 11.2 km route. Construction activities had begun in September, including piling works for the viaduct and CEZ Metro station. KMRL initially projected completion of the project within 20 months and had undertaken preparatory work, including soil tests and topographical surveys, along the route. The proposed line will include new stations at Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazhakkala, Padamughal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukara, KINFRA, and InfoPark. However, disputes over land ownership have caused setbacks, slowing the progress of this critical infrastructure project. (ET)

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