DPR for Water Transport Project Submitted.

The detailed project report (DPR) prepared by the Urban Mass Transport Corporation (UMTC) for the improvement of the water transport network in Kochi was presented before the State Planning Board recently. The Board members expressed satisfaction over the proposals, worth nearly Rs. 700 crore, and asked the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) to lay down a clear roadmap on the financing part of the project.

As per the proposal, the KMRL, together with the Kochi Corporation, will implement the project. The agency is likely to get financial assistance from Germany-based KfW Development Bank for the project.

While 80 pc for the project cost will be met through external borrowing, the State Government will pump in its share of 20 per cent. That is the reason why the Planning Board has asked for a detailed report on funding.

Along with the KMRL officials, Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany and Town Planning Standing Committee chairman K J Sohan also attended the meeting.

At the meeting, the Mayor provided a detailed description of the project, and pointed out the huge potential that can be tapped by the Tourism Development. 'In addition to boat jetty renovation and introduction of new boats, the authorities are also planning to give special thrust to tourism development as a means to generate extra income,' said Chammany. Of the total project cost, Rs. 200 crore will be used for the purchase of advanced, fuel-efficient ferries, while another Rs. 200 crore will be spent on improvement and remodeling of boat jetties and roads that connect the existing and proposed ferry terminals.


THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS