Trial run of Kochi Metro in February

Kochi, Dec 12 (IANS) The trial run of the Rs.5,180 crore Kochi Metro project, expected to resolve the travel woes in Kerala’s commercial capital, is likely in February 2016, an official said on Saturday.

Kochi Metro MD Elias George told reporters here that they are working overtime to ensure that all things fall into place.

"The coaches will arrive later this month and the trial run is planned to take place in February," said George.

Once ready, Kochi Metro will find its place in the record books as the fastest to be completed. It will run 25 km from Alwaye to Petta.

"L&T, entrusted with Kochi Metro project, have to speed up their work but we are confident of having the trial run in February," added George.

The entire project is being managed by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with its principal advisor E. Sreedharan overseeing it.

The central government’s share of funds in the project is close to Rs.1,000 crore, with the rest coming from loans the state government has availed from funding agencies.

Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy is credited for conceiving this project first in 2005 when he was the chief minister but later it went into limbo, only to return to full steam when he assumed office in 2011.

Chandy is determined to have the trial run conducted as the assembly polls are likely to be held in April/May next year and he wishes to list this as one of his major achievements while approaching the electorate.