Work of Light Metro projects to start next month: Sreedharan

The initial work of the proposed Light Metro rapid transport project at Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram would be inaugurated on March 4 and 9 respectively, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) Advisor E Sreedharan said on Saturday.

It would take one year to complete the initial work, Sreedharan told reporters here today.

The first phase of the Kozhikode project is expected to be completed in three years after the work starts, he said.

Similarly, the first phase of Thiruvananthapuram project would be commissioned in four years time, Sreedharan said.

Survey work of the projects had already started after the state government signed a consultancy agreement with DMRC for the projects.

The detailed project report approved by the state had been submitted to the Centre for approval, the in principle nod was expected in nine months and final approval within 18 months, he added.

In the initial stage, work on preparation of tender documents, road expansion, flyover and subway construction would be taken up, Sreedharan said.

The estimated cost of the 22.20 km Thiruvananthapuram Metro is Rs 3,453 crore.

Kozhikode metro is estimated to cost Rs 2,509 crore.

The first phase would be from the Medical college to Meenchandam covering a distance of 13.33 km.

Of the total costs of these projects, the Centre's share would be Rs 826 crore and that of the state, Rs 1,167 crore.

The effort is to raise the remaining funds as loans from financial institutions.

The proposal is to ply metro trains having three coaches in Thiruvananthapuram and two coaches in Kozhikode.

The number of coaches could be added if necessary. A total 200 persons can travel in one coach.