The Hindu : Front Page : Central hurdles to Kochi metro: VS

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Tuesday, Jun 08, 2010
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Central hurdles to Kochi metro: VS

Staff Reporter

Foundation stone laid for Vytilla Mobility Hub with world-class facilities

Photo: H. Vibhu

Infrastructure:V.S. Achuthanandan, Chief Minister, flanked by Ministers S. Sarma (left), Paloli Mohammad Kutty and Jose Thettayil, at the

KOCHI: Chief Minister V.S. Achuthanandan has said that the Central government is adopting a negative attitude towards the Kochi metro railway project.

Speaking at the foundation stone-laying ceremony of the Vytilla Mobility Hub here on Monday, Mr. Achuthanandan said the State government was going ahead with its infrastructure development projects such as widening of roads and construction of over-bridges for the metro project.

He said the Centre was not in favour of implementing the project along the lines of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation where the State and the Central governments were involved. The Centre had been putting hurdles before the project. It had also been arguing that the Kochi project would not be feasible financially. However, the project would be feasible in the long run. The project was essential for addressing the traffic needs of the city.

Mr. Achuthanandan sought the support of all sections of society for the successful implementation of the government's development projects. The Vallarpadam transhipment project was in a state of uncertainty when the Left Democratic Front government came to power. Even the environment clearance was not obtained for the project. The State government took the initiative for acquiring land for the project. Though there were some issues at Moolampally regarding land acquisition, the issue was solved amicably through discussions.

The traffic scenario in Kochi would be worsened with the commissioning of the Vallarpadam and LNG terminal projects. The mobility hub was being planned as a major step towards solving the traffic snarls in the city. The 3-lakh-sq-ft project would have world-class facilities.

Local Administration Minister Paloli Muhammad Kutty presided. Fisheries Minister S. Sarma inaugurated the office of the Hub. Transport Minister Jose Thettayil launched its web site.

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