HISTORY

Background

Model of metro rail station developed by DMRC for Kochi Metro.

On 22 December 2004, the Government of Kerala assigned the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) the task of preparing the detailed project report (DPR) for the Kochi Metro rail project. It was expected to start by 2006 and complete by 2010. But the project was delayed because the Central Government expressed serious doubts about the economic viability of the project.^[6] The Kerala government had sought Central Government's assistance for the project to be built on the lines of the Delhi Metro project in terms of funding. The Centre refused this request.^[7] The Union Government was in favour of implementing the project in public–private partnership (PPP), ruling out its own financial involvement. The Ministry of Urban Development and the Planning Commission were also against government investment in the project, and refused to accept it as a project in line with the Delhi and Chennai metros. The political rivalry between the LDF government in Kerala and the UPA government at the Centre was a major reason for such developments and the slow down in the project. The change in government in Kerala changed that scenario, making the Kochi Metro one of the top priorities of the UDF government.
Kochi Metro will follow the Chennai Metro and Delhi Metro models and will be implemented on a joint venture basis, with investments by the Central and State Governments. A cabinet decision was taken to form a special purpose vehicle (SPV) called Kochi Metro Rail Ltd. (KMRL) as per orders from Planning Commission and the Union Government for the implementation, operation and maintenance of the metro project.
On 22 March 2012, the Public Investment Board (PIB) gave clearance to the Kochi Metro project. With PIB recommendation, the project proposal would go to the Union Cabinet for the final approval.^[8] It was decided that the contribution from the Union Government would be 20.26% of the total project cost which works out to be 1,002.23 crore (US$189.42 million).^[9] On 28 March 2012, at a KMRL board meeting, the decision was taken to officially entrust the Kochi Metro rail project work to the DMRC. The meeting also finalized the number of metro stations on the line as 22, instead of the earlier proposed 23.^[10][11] On 3 July 2012, Union Government gave final clearance to the project. The decision was announced after the cabinet meeting in New Delhi. Addressing media persons, then Managing Director of KMRL, Tom Jose said, "Now we will sit down with our valued partner, DMRC, and chalk out the way forward, obtaining advice and guidance from former DMRC Chief, E Sreedharan. We aim to complete the project within a span of 3 to 4 years." ^[12]
On 14 August 2012, the state government reconstituted the Board of Directors of KMRL. Power Secretary Elias George was appointed as the new Managing Director, replacing Tom Jose. It is believed that Jose's differences with Sreedharan led to the decision.^[13][14] Chief Minister Oommen Chandy stated that it was part of administrative decision. The rest of the board would comprise of Chief Secretary K Jayakumar, Finance Secretary V P Joy and Water Resources Principal Secretary V J Kurian. ^[15] The Central Government's nominees are Union Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna as the ex-officio chairman of the KMRL Board, S. K. Lohia, Officer on Special Duty (Urban Transport); Jitendra Thyagi, Director (Works) of the DMRC; D. D. Pahuja, Director (Rolling Stock, Signalling and Electrical) of the Bangalore Metro Rail Corporation (BMRC) and A K Gupta, Additional Member (Works) of the Railway Board.^[16] On 7 September 2012, the State Cabinet decided to induct the Ernakulam District Collector into the director board of KMRL. The move is expected to expedite land acquirement for the project and also pacify complaints KMRL was sidelining the efforts of the district administration. The first meeting of the reconstituted board was on 11 September 2012.^[17]

Controversy over DMRC's role

In December 2011, Kerala Minister for Public Works V.K. Ebrahim Kunju indicated that work for the Kochi Metro project would be awarded by a global tender even though initial ground work of the project was started by DMRC. DMRC MD, E. Sreedharan said on a day before his retirement from DMRC that he was not interested in associating with the Kochi Metro project if the DMRC was not involved in the implementation of the project. The DMRC chief had expressed concern over KMRL's ability to complete the project in the specified time-frame as the latter lacked experience and expertise in implementing metro projects.^[18] Citing the the examples of metros in Bangalore and Chennai, he said, "They decided to take up the work on their own but had to depend on the DMRC for many things. I did not want Kochi to make the same mistake." The main opposition party in the state the CPI(M), accused the government of trying to oust the DMRC from the project in order to pocket kickbacks.^[19] The BJP also said that they believed the Chief Minister had a vested interest behind global tender.^[20][21]
On 3 January 2012, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy stated that E. Sreedharan would have the last word on the metro project.^[22] He stated that the State Government would not let go of the opportunity to benefit from the vast experience and expertise that Sreedharan had acquired by bringing to successful closure, and ahead of time, iconic infrastructure projects elsewhere in the country. Explaining the State Government's predicament, the Chief Minister said that the low-interest loan offer from the Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) for the Kochi Metro project was something it could not afford to ignore. JICA was willing to extend the loan on condition that Kochi Metro floats a global tender. DMRC, who is a consultant to the project, had expressed the wish that the project be allotted to it without a tender.^[23] On 11 January 2012, E. Sreedharan said that the JICA had agreed to extend loan for the Kochi Metro Rail project, even if global tenders are not called for appointing consultants. He said there was no need to call for global tenders for appointing general consultants as JICA had no objections in providing loans to the project if DMRC was entrusted with the work.^[24] The state government decided to entrust Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) with the task of executing the project under the leadership of E Sreedharan, according to a decision taken by a meeting of the director board of the KMRL held in Thiruvananthapuram on 10 July 2012.^[25]
Putting to rest all controversies regarding Sreedharan’s role in the implementation of the Kochi Metro, Aryadan Mohammed, Minister for Power and Transport and the Vice Chairman of Existing Board of Directors, said that the Kerala Government had decided as early as in March 2010 that Sreedharan would be in charge of the project. "There are no doubts about this. It was the Kerala Cabinet which had taken this decision and there would be no change in it," he said.^[26] Aryadam Mohammed said the board would be reconstituted with five nominees from the Centre. Sudhir Krishna, secretary, ministry of urban affairs, would be the chairman of the new board as per the earlier decision by the Union cabinet.^[27] The Union Urban Development Ministry later issued a directive to the state government to ensure that no contract is given to any party by the DMRC without approaval of the director board of KMRL.^[28]
On 26 September 2012, former KMRL Managing Director Tom Jose, wrote a letter to Union Urban Development Secretary Sudhir Krishna enquiring if the work on the Kochi Metro had the support of current DMRC board and also about the specific role assigned to Sreedharan in the metro project. The letter generated controversyc after it was released to the public by Rajya Sabha MP P. Rajeev. Rajeev wanted to know how Jose, who was no longer involved in the metro project, could write an official letter to Sudhir Krishna.^[29] Opposition parties pressed the government to seek an explanation from Jose. Opposition leader V.S. Achuthananadan alleged that Jose had sent the letter with the tacit support of the Congress leadership and the Chief Minister.^[30] At a high-level meeting convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on 15 October 2012, the State Government reiterated its decision to entrust the Kochi Metro project to the DMRC.^[31] Some government ministers and IAS officials alleged thatCentral Vigilance Commission (CVC) norms do not allow awarding of contract to an agency which did the consultancy for a project.^[32] However, DMRC principal adviser E. Sreedharan has stated that the CVC norms would not apply in this case, as the contract is between two government agencies. Another issue for the metro was that DMRC had to obtain permission of its director's board to undertake projects outside Delhi.^[33] On 22 October 2012, the Chief Minister said that the Government had not authorized Jose to write the letter and would seek an explanation from Jose on the circumstances leading to his "unprovoked act". He dismissed accusations from opposition parties as "totally baseless".^[34] The State Cabinet unilaterally condemned the act of writing the letter, observing that it was counter to the State Government’s known position on the matter. At a meeting, held on 22 October 2012, The Hindu reported that Transport Minister Aryadan Mohammed lambasted Jose for his "unprovoked action", which "amounted to gross indiscipline and grave contravention of the code of ethics on the part of the official who was well aware of Sreedharan’s role in the Kochi project". ^[35]
On 29 October 2012, Kerala Chief Minister Oommen Chandy met with Minister for Urban Development Kamal Nath and Delhi Chief Minister Sheila Dikshit in New Delhi to discuss DMRC taking up the Kochi Metro project. Kamal Nath informed Oommen Chandy that the DMRC had "limitations" in taking up the project.^[36] However, the Delhi Chief Minister agreed to discuss whether the DMRC could take up the project without affecting the Phase I and III of the Delhi Metro.^[37]

Support for DMRC

The Corporation of Cochin and Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany supported handing over work to DMRC. The Mayor launched a campaign promoting DMRC on his Facebook page. The Mayor also launched the website [www.supportkochimetro.in], on 24 October 2012. Chammany had stated that, "Government of Kerala and the Corporation of Cochin along with the people of Kerala unanimously want the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation to take up the work of Kochi metro which will be crucial to the growth and development of Cochin City."^[38] The Kerala Merchants' Union issued a press release expressed doubts whether the "unholy nexus between officials and politicians" was behind the delay in the commissioning work on the project. The State executive committee of the NH:17-47 Joint Action Council alleged that a BOT-mafia, interested in getting commissions, was behind the move to keep Sreedharan out of the project. The Council also alleged that Tom Jose was behind imposing BOT-toll conditions on many stretches of national highways in Kerala.^[39] The Ernakulam district collector and KMRL director board member P.I. Sheik Pareeth also supported DMRC's role saying that the agency can complete the project in a time bound manner. Pareeth stated, "If Delhi Metro Rail Corporation is executing the Kochi Metro project and E. Sreedharan is there to oversee the work, then we will be able to complete the metro project in 3 years. If not, I don't have an answer." Another supporter of the DMRC was president of Better Kochi Response Group, S. Gopakumar. He expressed his support saying, "DMRC, under the stewardship of E. Sreedharan, would be the right choice. While the agency is familiar with Indian circumstances, the Metro Man knows the city".^[40]Opposition parties in the state, on several occasions, expressed support for the DMRC and alleged that corruption and delays would occur in the project if it was not handed to DMRC.
Public support was overwhelmingly in favour of DMRC and Sreedharan. On 27 October 2012, Kochiites formed a 25 km human chain from Aluva to Petta, demanding work be handed over to DMRC. The protest was organized by the City Development Committee.^[41][42] Several organisations, including the Kerala Merchants’ Union, Vayapari Vyavasayi Samiti, Credai, Graduates Engineers’ Association, Ernakulam District Residents Associations’ Apex Council, Residents Apex Council, Hotel and Bar Association, Save Kerala Movement, International Media Centre, Fine Arts Society, Ernakulam Public Library, Maharaja’s Old Students Association, All India Lawyers’ Union, Angamali Merchants Association, AIBEA, BEFI, CITU and AITUC were represented.^[43]

Support for Global Tender

N. Venugopal, chairman of Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) was in favour of a global tender to ensure transparency. Centre for Public Policy Research MD, D. Dhanuraj also favoured a global tender plan as he felt it would "dissolve the controversies surrounding the project". He stated, "Various agencies will get an opportunity to analyse the detailed project report prepared by DMRC. There will be more transparency and clarity. If DMRC is the best metro agency, they can compete with others and take up the responsibility of executing the project. No project should be individual centric or organisation centric. DMRC is not the only agency in the world involved in execution of metro projects and E Sreedharan is not the only expert available. The state should go for a global tender and choose a competent agency." President of the Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry Nishesh Shaw, supported a global tender, saying, "The state wanted DMRC to take up the project. They should have floated a global tender long ago. The government should not step back now and delay the works. Instead it should settle the differences between various agencies amicably. Stalling the event for a temporary period will not resolve the crisis."^[40]

Construction

The Kochi Metro connecting Aluva-Petta will be completed in three stages and separate tenders will be awarded through bids. Each stage will be approximately 8 km. The advantage of this approach is that different contractors can take part in the work. KMRL decided to set up parking space at all metro stations based on the request from civil Society organisations.^[44]
Prime Minister Manmohan Singh laid the foundation stone for the project on 13 September 2012.^[45][46][47]

Preparatory work and supporting activities

Preparatory work is being carried out before the metro construction. The Ernakulam North overbridge is being pulled down and widened to 4-lane as part of five Metro Rail-associated projects.^[48] Other projects include construction of a new rail overbridge connecting Mullassery Canal Road and Salim Rajan Road and the widening of the Town Hall-Madhava Pharmacy Junction stretch, MG Road and Jos Junction-South Railway Station road.^[49] The DMRC will execute all these works. The State government had set apart 158 crore for preliminary works. On 3 March 2012, KMRL handed over 15 crore to DMRC for undertaking the preparatory works. The DMRC had been given 23 crore earlier.^{[50][51][52][53]}
For the purpose of traffic diversion, KMRL resurfaced 21 roads in and around the city. Kerala Construction Corporation did the work with five-year guarantee using BMBC specifications for a cost of 16.31 crore (US$3.08 million). KMRL also recruited traffic wardens in different part of the city to help police to control traffic.^[54]
Based on the guidelines of ministry of Urban Development to integrate various mode of transport, Kochi Metro Rail Limited decided to shift Vyttila station to Vyttila Mobility Hub. The long distance buses operates out of Vyttila hub and the hub authorities are planning to build a new boat jetty there as the part of theit second phase of development. Thus, the Kochi metro project became the first metro in the country which connects rail, road and water transportation facilities.^[55]
A parking lot at Karakkamuri was provided to KSRTC, when KMRL took over the parking space to carry out preparatory works associated with Kochi metro project. In return to the land used for Salim Rajan RoB KMRL reconstructed the inspection ramp for KSRTC.^[56] But, as rains started, the new parking lot became murky with slush and mud and it became difficult for drivers to drive out vehicles resulting in creation of traffic blocks in the city. Following KSRTC's complaint, KMRL handed over the task of relaying the ground to KSCC for a budget of 55 lakh (US$104,000).^[57]
Water logging is the biggest problem of Kochi and that is the main cause damaging the roads in the city. The uninterrupted flow of water through the canals is the best way to prevent the water logging in the city. To ensure the smooth traffic in the city, KMRL took the initiative to clean the major canal of Kochi, Thevara– Perandoor Canal. The cleaning work was given to Kerala Shipping and Inland Navigation Corporation (KSINC) for an amount of 2.62 crore (US$495,180).^[58]

Land Acquisition

The total amount of land required for the project is yet to be determined. The original plan was to acquire about 31.92 hectares of land in Ernakulam, Elamkulam, Poonithura, Thrikkakara North, Edappally South and Aluva West. Out of this approximately, 17 hectares is for the Muttom coach maintenance depot. The remaining land is required for the construction of metro stations. Approximately, 15 hectares out of the required 31.92 is government land. However, the land required for parking at stations, road widening and straightening curves along the alignment have yet to be assessed.^[59]
The district-level purchase committee fixed the maximum compensation for land acquisition at 52 lakh per cent for the land to be acquired for preparatory works. The district administration can take ownership of land only after paying at least 80% of the price. Land acquisition for a foot overbridge near the KSRTC main depot will cost 28 lakh per cent and land for the approach road of the Ponnurunni railway overbridge will be acquired at 18.50 lakh per cent. The prices have been approved by the State Empowered Committee.^[60][61]

Cost

The total cost of the Kochi Metro project is 5,181.79 crore (US$979.36 million).^[62] As per the sanction of the Public Investment Board (PIB), the Central Government will make a contribution of 1,002.23 crore (US$189.42 million), the Kerala Government a contribution of 1,772.23 crore (US$334.95 million) and 2,170 crore (US$410.13 million) will be raised as loan from Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA). Taxes on the project will come to about 237.33 crore (US$44.86 million) which will be borne by the Kerala Government along with any escalations.^{[63] [64]}
An amount of 25 crore (US$4.73 million) had been allocated by Sr KM Mani, finance minister of Kerala, in his 2011 budget for the development works of Kochi metro^[65] The 2012 Union Budget allocated 30 crore (US$5.67 million) for the Kochi Metro project. It was for the first time the Centre made a major budget allocation for the project. In the 2012 State Budget, finance minister K. M. Mani, allotted 119 crore (US$22.49 million) for the Kochi Metro project.^[66]

Network

Main article: List of Kochi Metro stations

Phase I

[hide]Kochi Metro
Aluva Pulinchodu Companypady Ambattkavu Muttom Kalamassery CUSAT Pathadippalam Edappally Junction Changampuzha Park Palarivattom Nehru Stadium Kaloor Town Hall Madhava Pharmacy Maharajas College Ernakulam Junction GCDA, Kadavanthra Elamkulam Vyttila Mobility Hub Thaikoodam Pettah

The Kochi Metro Rail Corporation has proposed an elevated^[67] route spanning 25.253 km from Aluva to Petta.^[68] There will be 22 stations:

• Aluva
• Pulinchodu
• Companypady
• Ambattukavu
• Muttom
• Kalamassery
• CUSAT
• Pathadippalam
• Edapally Junction
• Changampuzha Park
• Palarivattom
• Nehru Stadium
• Kaloor
• Town Hall- North Station
• Madhava Pharmacy
• Maharajas College
• Ernakulam Junction South
• Kadavanthra
• Elamkulam
• Vyttila Mobility Hub^[69]
• Thaikoodam
• Petta

Phase II

On 11 September 2012, KMRL gave its in-principle nod for the second phase of the proposed Kochi Metro project, which will have to be ratified by the state government. The board has also asked the state government to revisit the total area that the project will cover, so that the project can be extended to the fast developing suburbs of Kochi. There are also plans for a line from Palarivattom to Infopark.^[70]
The current plan for Phase II is to extend the metro:

1. Extension from Aluva to Angamaly via the Cochin International Airport at Nedumbassery
2. Extension from Petta to Tripunithura
3. Branch line from Palarivattom to InfoPark, Kochi via Kakkanad

The KMRL board will decide in October 2012 whether to add an extension to Fort Kochi in Phase II.^[71]

Future Expansion

Many possible extensions of the metro to Menaka, Kakkanad, and West Kochi have been proposed.
However, former KMRL MD, Tom Jose had said that any extensions would be taken up only in Phase II after the construction of the Aluva - Pettah route.^[72]

Infrastructure

Rolling stock

It was initially proposed to use maglev trains from South Korea for Kochi Metro.^[73] The coaches would not have wheels and would float over the magnetic rails. Their movement would also be smoother and would make lesser noise than the coaches with wheels.
It was later decide that Kochi Metro will run on standard gauge, with 3 coaches initially in each train, which can be extended to six coaches in future. The width of coaches was initially proposed to be 2.80m wide, unlike coaches that are up to 3.20m wide in most other cities. Each coach has a capacity of 200 passenger, giving each train a total capacity of 600 passengers.^[74] Later it was decided to use coaches with the same width and length as that of Delhi Metro.^[75] Indian Institute of Architects, Kochi Chapter approached KMRL to give them an opportunity to design the stations. Mr. Tom Jose has agreed to take this proposal furtherso that the stations get a local flavor.^[76]

Power

KMRL will acquire 20MW of electricity annually, to operate the metro. The electricity will by supplied from the Kaloor substation of the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB).^[77]

Parking

KMRL assigned Cochin University of Science and Technology (CUSAT) to conduct a feasibility study on incorporating parking spaces on the metro rail corridor. The study was focused in understanding the ridership of all 22 stations including two terminal stations and assessing the possible number of two and four wheelers, which would require parking in the Aluva- Pettah Metro Rail corridor. As part of the study SMS also prepared the lay out for parking with traffic circulation plan for each station. The School of Management Studies (SMS) has submitted the report on August 10th.^[78] preliminary report was submitted in June 2012. CUSAT was given the task, as the report submitted by DMRC did not have specifications regarding the parking facilities.^[79]
The detailed study was submitted on 10 August 2012. The study proposes multi-level parking. In some stations, parking facilities will be located away from the station due to lack of available land. In such cases, exclusive pedestrian-friendly walkways linking parking areas with stations will be built.^[80] KMRL will consider introducing shuttle services between parking lots and stations if the distance is long. SMS will work out the requirement of land that has to be acquired for this. KMRL says parking facilties will prevent traffic congestion and integrate personal transport system with mass rapid transit systems.^[81]

Handicapped Facilities

All stations will have elevators and each will be disabled friendly. Tactile tiles will be provided at all stations to enable the visually impaired to travel from the entrance to the platform without assistance.^[82]

Operations

Fare

Tickets are expected to be priced between 12 and 30.^[83]

References

1. ^ "Centre to bend rules to clear Kochi Metro project". The Poineer. 2012-05-24.
2. ^ "Contact Us". Kochimetro.org. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
3. ^ ^{a b c d} Paul, John L. (5 July 2012). "Metro rail tenders to be floated soon". The Hindu (Chennai, India).
4. ^ http://www.ianslive.in/news/Metro_reaches_Kochi-387644/LatestNews/31
5. ^ "Metro rail: DMRC demands prompthanding over of land, funds". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2012-03-24. Retrieved 2012-03-24.
6. ^ Kochi Metro and govt dynamics
7. ^ "Heading for a dead-end | | | The New Indian Express". Expressbuzz.com. 2010-07-06. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
8. ^ "Kochi Metro Rail gets Public Investment Board's approval - The Economic Times". Economictimes.indiatimes.com. 1970-01-01. Retrieved 2012-03-23.
9. ^ "Kochi Metro gets nod from public Investment: Board". News.webindia123.com. Retrieved 2012-03-23.
10. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/dmrc-to-carry-out-kochi-metro-work/243834-60-116.html
11. ^ "It's official: DMRC to drive Kochi Metro". The Times Of India. 2012-03-29.
12. ^ "Centre nod for Kochi Metro". Times Of India. 2012-07-04.
13. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/tom-jose-shunted-out-of-kochi-metro/282531-60-116.html
14. ^ http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/kochi-metro-project-could-have-been-implemented-without-dmrc/44865/
15. ^ http://www.business-standard.com/generalnews/news/boardkochi-metro-rail-ltd-reconstituted/44201/
16. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3774579.ece?homepage=true
17. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/collector-to-be-inducted-into-kmrl-director-board/289582-60-122.html
18. ^ [1]
19. ^ "Row breaks out over Kochi Metro Rail project". Ndtv.com. 2012-01-03. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
20. ^ "CMs vested interest behind global tender - southindia - Kerala - ibnlive". Ibnlive.in.com. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
21. ^ "City Journal". Cityjournal.in. 2012-01-09. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
22. ^ "Metro Man to have last word - southindia - Kerala - ibnlive". Ibnlive.in.com. 2011-05-10. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
23. ^ Our Bureau. "Business Line : Industry & Economy / Logistics : Sreedharan's to be last word on role in Kochi Metro, says Chandy". Thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
24. ^ Our Bureau. "Business Line : Industry & Economy / Logistics : Japanese agency ready to provide loan for Kochi Metro, says Sreedharan". Thehindubusinessline.com. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
25. ^ "Ready to offer concessional rate for Kochi Metro: Sreedharan". Times of India. 2012-07-11.
26. ^ "DMRC to build, Sreedharan to guide Kochi Metro". Daily Pioneer. 2012-07-10.
27. ^ "Krishna to head Kochi Metro Rail Limited". Times of India. 2012-07-11.
28. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/union-ministry-reins-in-dmrc-on-contracts/289754-60-116.html
29. ^ http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/industry-and-economy/logistics/kerala-cm-to-meet-sreedharan-over-kochi-metro-controversy/article4019331.ece?ref=wl_industry-and-economy
30. ^ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/kochi-metro-kerala-to-ask-officer-to-explain-letter/1020624/
31. ^ http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/news/news-by-industry/transportation/railways/kerala-for-dmrc-taking-up-kochi-metro-project/articleshow/16834674.cms
32. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/states/kerala/state-firm-on-dmrc-implementing-kochi-metro/article3999992.ece
33. ^ http://english.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/contentView.do?contentId=12711655&tabId=1&programId=11565535
34. ^ http://www.indianexpress.com/news/kochi-metro-row-govt-to-seek-explanation-from-ias-officer/1020497/0
35. ^ http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/kochi-metro-imbroglio-cm-disowns-officials-action/article4022975.ece
36. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/negative-signal-for-kochi-metro/article4046558.ece
37. ^ http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2012/October/international_October974.xml&section=international&col=
38. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-mayor-launches-facebook-campaign-for-dmrc/article4034185.ece
39. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-corporation-bats-for-dmrc/article4025330.ece
40. ^ ^{a b} Greeshma Gopal Giri (2012-10-22). "Metro rail row evokes mixed response". The Times of India. Retrieved 2012-11-01.
41. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Kochiites-join-hands-for-their-dream-Metro/articleshow/16999419.cms
42. ^ http://www.khaleejtimes.com/displayarticle.asp?xfile=data/international/2012/October/international_October747.xml&section=international&col=
43. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-metro-public-support-building-up-for-dmrc/article4030451.ece
44. ^ November 25, 2011 DC Kochi (2011-11-25). "Kochi Metro phase-I in 3 stages". Deccan Chronicle. Retrieved 2012-01-07.
45. ^ http://www.dailypioneer.com/state-editions/kochi/94313-work-on-kochi-metro-launched.html
46. ^ www.thehindubusinessline.com/news/states/article3892138.ece
47. ^ zeenews.india.com/news/kerala/pm-inaugurates-kochi-metro-project_799379.html
48. ^ "Nod for Metro project's revised proposal". The Times Of India. 2011-10-16.
49. ^ Winds of change over Kochi - southindia - Kochi - ibnlive
50. ^ "Cities / Kochi : Rs.15 crore handed over to DMRC". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2012-03-04. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
51. ^ "Kochi Metro Rail hands over rs 15 crore to DMRC - Economic Times". Articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com. 2012-03-03. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
52. ^ "Kochi Metro Rail hands over rs 15 crore to DMRC, IBN Live News". Ibnlive.in.com. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
53. ^ Kochi Bureau (2012-03-20). "Cities / Kochi : Kochi metro on fast track". Chennai, India: The Hindu. Retrieved 2012-03-23.
54. ^ "National / Kerala : KMRL completes resurfacing of roads". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2012-02-25.
55. ^ "Metro station at Vyttila mobility hub on the cards". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 2012-02-29.
56. ^ "KMRL to build inspection ramp for KSRTC". Chennai, India: Deccan Chronicle. 2011-11-25.
57. ^ "KSRTC to use Ambedkar stadium for parking purpose". Chennai, India: The Times of India. 2012-06-25.
58. ^ "India: Thevara-Perandoor Canal Dredging Kicks Off". Chennai, India: Dredging Today. 2012-04-11.
59. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/kochi-metro-rail-no-clarity-on-how-much-land-is-needed/article4004963.ece
60. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Panel-approves-land-value-fixed-for-Metro/articleshow/16830263.cms
61. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/rates-finalised-for-kochi-land-acquisition/article4001695.ece
62. ^ "Union Cabinet nod for Rs 5,146 crore Kochi Metro expected soon: Official". The Times Of India. 2011-12-21.
63. ^ http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/2012/07/04/237-Kochi-metro-rail-project-approved.html
64. ^ "Will ask Centre for more funds for Kochi Metro". The Times Of India. 2012-05-01.
65. ^ "Funds allocated for Kochis dream projects by KM Mani in his budget". MyDreamHouse.in. 2011-07-11. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
66. ^ "FM allocates more funds for Metro, Monorail projects". Manorama Online. Retrieved 2012-03-23.
67. ^ Metro Rail: Future of intra-city commuting : North News - India Today
68. ^ Metro Stations
69. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/metro-rail-station-to-find-place-in-hubs-design/258705-60-122.html
70. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/nod-for-second-phase-of-kochi-metro/290721-60-122.html
71. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/fort-kochi-to-be-or-not-to-be/292254-60-122.html
72. ^ "Cities / Kochi : Metro rail extensions only in phase two". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2012-02-03. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
73. ^ "Magnetic levitation technology for Kochi metro rail mooted". The Hindu (Chennai, India). 2011-11-17.
74. ^ "Cities / Kochi : No confrontation with KMRL, says Sreedharan". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2012-01-12. Retrieved 2012-02-14.
75. ^ "No Maglev tech for Kochi Metro - Times Of India". Articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com. 2012-02-15. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
76. ^ "Cities / Kochi : IIA submits proposal for station designing". Chennai, India: The New Indian Express. 2012-02-23. Retrieved 2012-03-23.
77. ^ http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/KMRL-to-seek-20MW-from-KSEB-for-metro/articleshow/16443202.cms
78. ^ "Cities / Report on metro parking submitted". Kochi, India: The Hindu. 2012-08-11.
79. ^ "Cities / Kochi : Parking in metro stations: Cusat school to do feasibility study". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2012-03-11. Retrieved 2012-03-23.
80. ^ http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article3753585.ece
81. ^ The writer has posted comments on this article (1970-01-01). "Cusat to help prepare report for Kochi Metro - The Times of India". Timesofindia.indiatimes.com. Retrieved 2012-03-10.
82. ^ http://ibnlive.in.com/news/metro-will-put-kochi-on-fast-track-sreedharan/288631-60-122.html
83. ^ "Cities / Kochi : Metro: ‘Centre's equity participation not clear'". Chennai, India: The Hindu. 2012-01-07. Retrieved 2012-02-14.