Govt focused on implementing 2 Light Metro projects: Chandy

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Thursday said the state government is focussed on implementing two Light Metro projects worth Rs 6,278 crore in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode in a time-bound manner and there are no ambiguities in executing them. Talking to reporters after discussions with Delhi Metro Rail Corporation Principal Advisor E Sreedharan in Nedumbassery, Oommen Chandy said the 'Metro man' had pointed out some vagueness in the state's letter to the Centre on implementing the projects, worth Rs 6,278 crore. "Sreedharan has suggested that a fresh letter with more clarity be sent to the Centre on implementation of the light Metro projects....Details of our talks will be discussed in the next cabinet meeting," he said, adding that a fresh letter would be sent.

Asserting that government would go ahead with the Light Metro Projects, Chandy said there were no ambiguities in their implementation. "The Kerala government wants to implement the projects speedily...in a time bound manner," he said. As per the Detailed Project Report, the projects will be implemented jointly by the state government and Central government like that of Kochi Metro.

Before meeting Sreedharan, the CM had admitted that some degree of misunderstanding had occurred on implementation of the projects. Chandy said the light metro is needed for the state and government is focused on its implementation. The DPR said the projects would be implemented by utilising the DMRC's services and implemented jointly by state government and Central government like that of Kochi Metro.

Twenty percent of the project cost will be given by the state and central governments and 60 percent taken as loan. Expenses for land acquisition will be met by the Kerala government. Meanwhile, the Chief Minister reviewed the ongoing construction activities of Kochi Metro rail project.

Expressing happiness over the pace of work, he claimed it it would be the first Metro project to be completed in a time bound manner in the country. Coaches for Kochi Metro would reach Kochi in 100 days, the Chief Minister said.