KOCHI: The re-construction work of the North ROB is likely to get delayed. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) project director P Sriram has said the piling work was yet to begin. “Only 50 per cent of the cables could be removed till now. We have not yet been able to shift the remaining 66 cable wires from the area. Steps in this regard will be taken soon,” Sriram said.Besides cables, land acquisition is also delaying the re-construction work. Sriram said the residents were not willing to surrender their land for the Metro Rail Project. “But, we will solve the issue with the support of the District Collector,” he said and added that the DMRC expected to complete the construction of the side bays of the RoB by September.Rob Connecting Salim Rajan Road with Rajaji RoadThe construction work on a new ROB connecting Salim Rajan Road with the Rajaji Road has been going on for more than five months. A crucial component of the Kochi Metro Rail project, the ROB work has run into troubles. But DMRC is hopeful of completing the project on time. The project is scheduled to be completed within 15 months.“There are a few hiccups regarding the re-laying of electric cables, water pipelines and railway lines. But, this will not delay the project. With the cooperation of the civic bodies concerned, we will complete the first stage of the project in September”, said P Sriram. DMRC chief E Sreedharan had earlier met the KSEB officials to facilitate the shifting of the cables and pipelines. As of now, around 80 percent of the piling and 40 percent of pile cap and pier work have been completed. Traffic Diversion a Smooth AffairThe traffic diversion as part of the Metro Rail Project has so far been a smooth affair. Though there were some initial hiccups, the routes have become familiar for most of the people by now. According to the police officials, the fact that most of the pocket roads had been repaired helped in the smooth traffic flow. However, the Pachalam route still remains a headache for the traffic police and public. “The major problem with the Pachalam route is that the railway gate is closed every 20 minutes. This causes a block. With the opening of the gate, the two-wheelers rush to cross the gate, creating severe congestion. Unlike the Pullepady route, buses are operated through the Pachalam route and this adds to the bottle-neck. Additional police personnel have been deputed for controlling the traffic in Pachalam area,” police official said.
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