Kochi Metro: Delhi not sure yet

NEW DELHI: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) seemed to pull back from taking over the execution of Kochi Metro Rail Project (KMRP) as the meeting between Chief Minister Oommen Chandy and Urban Development Minister Kamal Nath raised a negative response from the latter, when he clarified the takeover of the project is not practical.

Though Kamal Nath told Oommen Chandy that he would consider the matter, this clearly indicates that the Congress at the centre will bring a situation favourable for the project only if its leadership goes for a political consensus. The union minister’s words also remind that some officers at the Ministry of Urban Development and in Kerala are being successful in their moves to obstruct the Kochi project.

Later after discussions with Chandy, Kamal Nath told media persons that Delhi Metro is meant for Delhi and that there are limitations for DMRC to take over projects outside Delhi since it has heavy work load there (Delhi).

Media should not make a controversy out of a metro in Kochi which is not yet formed. A third phase construction is going on in Delhi. Fourth phase should be started soon. The serious damage on the runway should have to be rectified. In these circumstances, it is practically difficult to take over Kochi Metro project. Since Kerala sought help from DMRC, what could be done will be examined. The opinion of Delhi government will be sought in this, Kamal Nath explained.