Kochi Metro to be extended to cover IT hub

Kerala cabinet today decided to extend the Kochi Metro Rail by 11.2 km upto Kakkanad to cover the city's IT hub at a cost of Rs 2,017.46 crore.
As per the decision, it would be extended from Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium at Kalloor to Kakkanad and this would be the third phase of Kochi Metro Rail project, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy told reporters after the cabinet meeting here today.
Kakkanad is developing fast due to its proximity to Infopark and Smart City besides several state and the central governments offices, he said.
The Director Board meeting of Kochi Metro Rail Limited had already given sanction for the same. As per an estimate, the number of commuters between Jawahar Lal Nehru Stadium and Kakkanad will be 1.26 lakhs in 2021 and 1.98 lakhs in 2031.

Work on the first phase with a total expenditure of Rs 5181.79 crore from Aluva to Petah (25.612 km) is progressing.
The Cabinet also approved a scheme for the construction of flats for around 140 families who have lost their homes to sea erosion in the coastal areas of the capital district.
The flats were planned in the government land at Muttathara near here, Chandy said.
Road Infrastructure Company Kerala Limited has been entrusted with the work of renovation of 106.2 km of road as a pilot project (annuity model) under Public-Private Participation, he said adding the project cost was Rs 279.31 crores.