Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has awarded the Rs 11.41 billion contract for civil construction works to Afcons Infrastructure Limited, according to reports. This contract will advance the construction of the Kochi Metro Phase 2, which will extend from JLN Stadium to Kakkanad. Construction of viaducts and stations is set to commence soon. Afcons Infrastructure's bid was the only one technically qualified after bids from three other major firms were disqualified due to non-compliance with tender conditions, as reported by TOI. Afcons will design and construct an elevated viaduct and ten elevated stations from JLN Stadium Metro Station to Infopark via Kakkanad. Construction work by Afcons is slated to begin in July 2024. The company has a history of involvement in major infrastructure projects, including the Delhi Meerut RRTS project, Atal Tunnel project, Chenab Railway Bridge project, Chennai Metro Blue Line project, and the rail line to ICTT, Vallarpadam. The total length of the Phase 2 metro line is 11.2 km. New metro stations will be developed at Palarivattom Junction, Palarivattom Bypass, Chembumukku, Vazakkala, Padamugal, Kakkanad Junction, Cochin SEZ, Chittethukura, Kinfra, and Infopark. KMRL plans to complete the civil construction work of the Pink Line in 20 months, followed by system signalling works within another four months. Viaduct work at six locations and construction at four station locations will occur simultaneously. A precast method will be adopted to expedite the civil construction, with a nearly six-hectare precast yard identified at HMT Kalamassery. The project will feature two special spans of steel truss, each more than 60 meters in length, one at the Palarivattom Bypass crossing area and the other near St. Martin Church, Palarivattom Junction. (Source: Housing.com)