DMRC commences over-bridge work in Pachalam, Kochi
The residents of Pachalam in Kochi have much to cheer about with the work on the Railway-over-bridge (ROB) at Pachalam finally commencing. The decade-and-a-half long demand by the residents of Pachalam has finally borne fruit with the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), which is in charge of undertaking the construction on this project finally getting it off the block.
Land acquisition issues delay project
Despite the fact that Southern Railway had sanctioned the work on the Pachalam ROB in 1999-2000, it took more than a decade for the State government to commence work on the project. Incidentally, the project was delayed due to land acquisition issues, which were ultimately sorted out following public protests. The project was eventually handed over to the DMRC, which was entrusted with the development of the Kochi metro project, as part of the metro preparatory work. The Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the ROB project was prepared by the DMRC. This was handed over by the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) for the state government’s approval.
Estimated cost
According to DMRC sources, the ROB is to be developed in two lanes with the minimum land required to be acquired for the project being about 46 cents. The total estimated cost of the project is about 52 crores, with the Railways agreeing to share 50% of the costs. This is excluding the amount that will be required for land acquisition.
Ground realities
The Pachalam level crossing between Shornur junction and Ernakulam junction is apparently one of the busiest with as many as 103 trains passing through it on a daily basis. Besides, approximately 4,770 vehicles, excluding two-wheelers pass through the level crossing, daily. The principal advisor of the DMRC has agreed to complete the project in about 180 days, provided the district administration completes the land acquisition on time.
Land required
Irrespective of the land acquisition issues being sorted out, the DMRC can commence work on the Chittoor side of the ROB. However, land acquisition will need to be completed on time for work to start on the Kacherippady side of the ROB. Incidentally, about 320 sq. mt. of land will need to be acquired on the Chittoor side while about 726 sq. mt. of land will need to be acquired on the Kacheripady side. In case land acquisition is not completed on time, the Metro agencies will be forced to compensate the contractor. Besides, the DMRC will have to be provided with funds in a timely manner so that the project can be completed on time.
Impact on realty
The construction of the ROB at Pachalam will go a long way in easing traffic congestion in the surrounding areas. With the Kochi metro project also proposed to service areas in the vicinity of the project, it is likely to have a major impact on the realty market in the area. The rise in demand for residential realty will bring in more developers who are expected to come up with more residential projects. As a result, there is expected to be a price appreciation along the areas in the vicinity.
