KOCHI: Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) will start on next Monday the strengthening works of the pillar in Pathadippalam where a misalignment of the track was detected.
KMRL authorities noticed the minor misalignment caused by the settlement of foundations at pillar No 347 a month ago. After the issue came to light, KMRL has imposed speed restriction over the pillar along the route.
KMRL authorities have informed that the works on the permanent restoration of the pillar would be carried out jointly by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), KMRL and L&T.
Former DMRC chief E Sreedharan and a two-member technical team of Egis, the design consultant of the first phase of Metro, had conducted an inspection at the site of the pillar in Pathadippalam.
The team held a detailed discussion with KMRL officials, a decision was taken to initiate steps to permanently resolve the misalignment.
KMRL authorities have informed that the work has been planned in such a way that the services will not be affected and it would be completed before the onset of monsoon.
More feeder services launched
KMRL started two more air-conditioned electric feeder bus services between Aluva Metro station and Kochi airport. Last week, KMRL had begun the trial services of feeder services from Aluva to Angamali and from Edappalli Metro station to north Paravur.
It has been learnt that the authorities launched more services after positive response of commuters to the bus services launched on a trial basis last week.
Metro is planning to conduct services from its 10 major stations to different destinations in the outskirts of the city and the remaining bus services will be launched soon. KMRL had signed a memorandum of understanding regarding the bus service with Maha Voyage Group, a Mumbai-based private group and Kleen Smart Bus Limited last month.
KMRL is already operating a feeder bus service, 'Pavan Doot', AC e-buses between Aluva and the airport.
KMRL is also planning to launch hydrogen buses as feeder services.
