Splitting up of Light Metro mooted.

A proposal has been put forth to split the implementation of Light Rail Transit System (LRTS) in Thiruvananthapuram and Kozhikode into viaduct component and rail component to avoid delay.

The proposal, mooted by transport planner N.S. Srinivasan, comes at a time when the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) has hinted at winding up its offices in the two cities in view of the delay in clearing project report.

Speaking to The Hindu from Chennai, Mr. Srinivasan said only the two-lane viaduct component, ramps and limited passenger and depot facilities required for the operation should be taken up during the first phase, the cost of which would be less than Rs. 1,500 crore for both cities.

The initial phase would be over in 18 months, he said. Considering the financial condition of the State government, he advocated implementation of the first phase in the public private partnership (PPP) mode.

Mr. Srinivasan, the founder director of National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac), said all rail components, including railway stations and depots, should be taken up in phase II.

THE HINDU