RailEnquiry

KOCHI: The popular demand for a flyover at Edappally may soon become a reality. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has decided to approach the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) with a proposal to construct the Edappally flyover. According to DMRC sources, the agency was in process of completing the flyover's design. "Since the proposed Edappally flyover intersects the alignment of Kochi Metro rail, it cannot be constructed independent of the Metro rail's structure. That's why we have decided to put forward such a proposal,'' a DMRC official said."The flyover will be constructed on pillars similar to those of the North railway overbridge (ROB),'' he said.The detailed project report (DPR) will be handed over to NHAI once the agency gives its nod.Though NHAI has already prepared a design of the flyover, it does not complement the alignment of Kochi Metro rail. If the DMRC's proposal is approved, the work of the flyover and Metro rail will be carried out simultaneously. NHAI has also mooted flyovers at Palarivattom, Vyttila and Kundannoor as well. The construction of flyovers and other related activities, including land acquisition, will cost about Rs 1,600 crore.

The DPR of the project, prepared by NHAI years ago, is still remaining on paper due to the lackadaisical attitude of the authority.