Demolition of North RoB main bay begins

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Kochi: The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) began demolishing the existing main motor bay of the North RoB to make way for the Metro viaducts  on Thursday.
“The central portion will be demolished in a month’s time and the four-lane  constructed  in another 10 months. The whole exercise is expected to cost Rs 70 crore,” a DMRC official said.  The Metro tracks will be built over the four-lane supported by pillars.
 While four-wheelers and other large vehicles have already been diverted through the newly-constructed side-bays, the  two- wheelers and  three -wheelers will continue to take a diversion from Kacheripady to Kaloor.
The demolition work started at 9 am in the presence of Mayor Tony  Chammany, Collector P.I. Sheik Pareeth and project director, P. Sriram.  The DMRC has awarded the work to Padmaja Specials of Chennai.
 As much as 40.40 hectares will be acquired for the Kochi Metro project. The first phase of the land acquisition will be completed by the month end, according to Deputy Collector (land revenue) T. Mohandas.
Meanwhile, the crucial Rs 20 crore Salim Raja flyover, expected to  decongest  Ernakulam South, will be thrown open to traffic in  February.
“The girder launching will be done at the end of January.  The side approaches have already been laid and soon finishing touches will be given with the fencing, tarring and installation of lamps,”  said an official.