Metro phase-II to focus on new lines

KOCHI: The feasibility study for the second phase of the Kochi Metro Rail project will mainly focus on extending services to Ernakulam Boat Jetty via High Court Junction. It will also analyse the possibility of adding new lines to connect the proposed Metro Rail with Nedumbassery. “The major aim of a mass rapid transport system (MRTS) is to offer better connectivity that is fast, reliable and convenient to all. By extending  services to the Ernakulam Boat Jetty via High Court, the service can cater to the needs of more people and can offer better connectivity with the waterways,” KMRL Managing Director Tom Jose said.He was talking at the Metro Round Table jointly organised by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR) and the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) at the Chamber Hall here on Friday. The study will begin after the project gets the Centre’s nod, Jose said.He said that once the proposed Metro Rail project becomes a reality, the next task for the authorities would be to add new lines every three to four years. Meanwhile, Kochi Corporation Town Planning Standing Committee chairman K J Sohan who took part in the discussions said that, before considering huge capital-intensive projects like Metro Rail, the State Government should press for feasible options like suburban rail. “MEMU services and launching of suburban trains are more feasible than time- consuming fancy projects like Metro Rail. We already have the infrastructure to launch suburban trains,” Sohan said