Mr Thiruman Archunan
Director – Projects, Kochi Metro Rail Limited
” Incharge of All Civil works related to KMRL( Kochin metro rail limited): construction of metro stations, viaduct, track, depot, and others works related to Roads, improvements to city landscape, Place making and other NMT ( Nonmotorised transport) related works, modernised ferry services etc. “
Rail Analysis : What is the Current progress of Kochi Metro?
Mr Thiruman Archunan : The approved Phase-I of Kochi Mero Rail is from Aluva to Petta is 25.16 km with 22 stations. The stretch from Aluva to Palarivattom with 13.26 km is operational from June 2017 and upto Maharajas with total 18.22 Kms is operational from October 2017.
Balance stretch of 6.94 Kms from Maharajas College to Petta is passing through the Central Business District (CBD) of Kochi City touching the major Railway Station Ernakulam South and Vytila, the busiest junction of Ernakulum, Kerala.
” The stretch also contains one 90m single span balanced cantilever across Railway line at Ernakulam South which will turn as one of the iconic heavy civil construction in the city once completed. “
Also a bridge namely Champakkara Bridge, a two level bridge across canal is being reconstructed by providing vehicular traffic through first level and Metro through second level.
Rail Analysis : Please tell us about Advanced Metro City in Kakanand?
Mr Thiruman Archunan : Kochi Metro Rail Limited is planning to develop around 17 acres of land into Metro City to a commercial entertainment zone, which will in turn become an international tourist destination. This will bring additional revenue to KMRL in the non-fare box model. For this project KMRL have called international consultancy service to develop concept Master Plan.
Rail Analysis : Please tell us about the additional train sets to be added to the league of Kochi Metro?
Mr Thiruman Archunan : Kochi Metro is planning with 25 train sets (3 coaches in each set) for the entire Phase I corridor.
“ The contract was awarded to M/s Alstom who delivered the first set on 10th January 2016. Out of 25 sets, 23 train sets arrived as on date and 11 train sets are currently under operational at a time. “
Rail Analysis : What is the current progress for Maharaja’s College – Thykoodam stretch? What is the expected time line for it?
Mr Thiruman Archunan : The Civil works of Maharajas to Thykoodam, 1 Km short of Petta, is progressing fast aiming to commence within few months. The last stretch of Phase I with 1 Km & 1 station will be thrown to public in early 2020.
Rail Analysis : Please tell us about Water Metro Project of Kochi Metro?
Mr Thiruman Archunan : Kochi Water Metro Project aims to connect the islands in and around Kochi City through 15 routes & 78 Route Kms. 38 boat terminals & 78 Boats with 100 pax/50 pax capacity are planned in this project with world class amenities. Kochi Water Metro Project is progressing well. All the preliminary works completed. The land acquisition is in advanced stage and tender for procurement of boats are in progress.
” The construction contract for 3 terminals already awarded and balance terminals are in advanced tender stage. KMRL aims to start its first water metro service by early 2020. “
Rail Analysis : Please let us know about your feedbacks about Rail Analysis Magazine shared with you recently?
Mr Thiruman Archunan : The Rail Analysis Magazine helps to keep updated on the Metro industry with latest approved as well as operational Metros. It also speaks about the latest technologies being adopted in the Industry, which is very informative.
” The article on “Potential use of artificial intelligence for Railway & Metros in India” was such an informative one in the March edition. The interview with Dr. E Sreedharan found to be the highlight of the March 2019 edition of Rail Analysis Magazine. “
May please take a note that Kochi Metro May be included in the constructional phase metro projects, since another 7Km is in construction stage. Also Phase II – Info park to Kakkanad – 11.2 Km with 11 stations of Kochi Metro can be included in the planning stage Metros.
