ROB piling work about to begin

KOCHI: At a time when uncertainty looms over the involvement of the Delhi   Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in the Kochi Metro Rail Project, the  preliminary work undertaken by the DMRC as part of the project is in full swing. The work of the North Railway Overbridge and Salim Rajan Overbridge, which  has been entrusted with the DMRC, is fast progressing. However, the  widening of MG Road and Banerji Road, which is also part of the preliminary work, is yet to begin. North ROB project manager Biju Varghese said the work was going on in full   swing and as per schedule. “In North ROB, six phases of construction have been planned. The piling work is about to begin,” he said. The delay is  owing to the underground cables which pass through the site which the authorities concerned have to remove,” Varghese said. It is expected that the work on the side bays of the North ROB would be  completed by September. The authorities also expect to begin the construction of the main bridge by October.  The work at the Salim Rajan Overbridge near the KSRTC bus stand is also going on smoothly. About 75 per cent of the piling has been completed, an official with the Works Department said. He added that the work was expected to be completed by mid-February. The only hindrance is the KSRTC garage. The work has been pending as the demolition of the garage is yet to be approved by authorities.