DMRC to hand over two Metro stations by July-end

Kochi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) said they would hand over Kalamasserry and Cusat Metro stations to Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) by July-end.
There are 16 stations along the Metro route from Aluva to Maharaja's College and according to DMRC officials 60% to 70% of the work is over at most of these stations. The construction of the operations and control centre (OCC) at Muttom is in an advanced stage, officials said.
"The works are progressing fast. Other works related to track, traction and signalling are also taking place simultaneously. We hope to meet the March 2017 target for commissioning the first stage of the project," said a DMRC official.
The KMRL has also invited tenders for carrying out interior works of the two stations. The Metro agency said they would finalize the contract by the time DMRC hands it over to them. "We expect to award these contracts in August. The works will be completed within two months. Once it is complete the stations will be ready for operation. But for the inspection by the railway safety commissioner to happen, the work on remaining stations have to be completed," said KMRL spokesperson.
Metro officials expect the next rake to arrive in early July. The three coaches will be brought from Andhra Pradesh to the city by trailer trucks. However, with the monsoon gaining momentum Metro officials are doubtful whether they would be able to take the trailer trucks through the underpass at Muttom. "Waterlogging is a frequent problem at the underpass during monsoon. It is not possible to elevate the road because the huge trucks will get stuck in the underpass. If this issue is not addressed it would not be possible to take the coaches to the Muttom yard," an official said.
The 300m road connecting the highway and Metro yard was constructed by DMRC for transporting construction materials and rolling stock. During the planning stage both DMRC and KMRL had locked horns over its construction. When the Metro authority insisted on constructing the underpass KMRL suggested a flyover.
However, DMRC officials maintained that an automated water pumping system was installed in the subway, and there wouldn't be any waterlogging issues.