Kochi: KMRL Considers Extending Metro Line To Cochin International Airport And GIFT City
The Kochi Metro. (KMRL)Snapshot
The GIFT City project in Ayyampuzha is a key component of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor project under the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) is mulling over a proposal to extend the city's proposed metro line from Aluva to Cochin International Airport Limited (CIAL) even further northeast, in order to connect with the planned GIFT City at Ayyampuzha.
The comprehensive mobility plan (CMP) to identify the most optimal model for the various metro line proposals across the city is expected to be finalised before the end of the month.
KMRL will then take further steps regarding the GIFT City extension based on the CMP's findings.
Industries Minister P Rajeeve has stated that both metro and road connectivity is essential for attracting investors, and the government is actively considering an extension of the Kochi Metro to the GIFT City site, as part of the central government's PM Gati Shakti infrastructure development project.
“After completing the land acquisition procedures for GIFT City, the Centre and the state government would form a joint venture company for implementing the project. Then, we will submit a detailed proposal regarding the Metro extension to the Centre,” said Rajeeve, reports Times Of India.
KMRL MD Loknath Behera has stated that the details of the project can only be decided after the CMP is finalised.
Kochi Metro
The first phase of Kochi Metro from Aluva to Petta, covering a length of 25.6 km with 22 stations, was completed at a cost of Rs 5,181.79 crore, and is now fully operational.
GIFT City Project
The GIFT City project is a key component of the Kochi-Bengaluru Industrial Corridor project under the National Industrial Corridor Development and Implementation Trust. The project is set to be established on 360 acres in Ayyampuzha Panchayat, near Angamaly; around 15 km away from CIAL.
The state government has almost completed the acquisition procedures to obtain the necessary 360 acres of land for the project.
However, the project required revised approval from KIIFB and various departments due to an increase in the compensation amount to Rs 850 crore.
The acquisition process is expected to be completed by September this year, with Kinfra having started to prepare the detailed project report for the GIFT City project.
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