The tender for utility shifting of the Kochi Metro Rail is likely to be awarded this week.

The scope of the work under this tender include the supply, laying, erection and shifting of extra high tension lines. It is learnt that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the implementing agency of the Kochi Metro Rail project, will open the tenders within two days.The DMRC had already awarded the tenders for the construction of elevated viaducts and stations for the metro.

Larsen & Toubro (L&T) has bagged the contract for the work under the two tenders floated by the DMRC.

The first one is for the construction of viaduct and stations between Aluva, Pulinchodu, Companyppady, Amabattukavu, Muttom and Kalamassery. The other tender is for the construction of stations and viaducts between Kalamassery and Jawaharlal Nehru International Stadium, covering Cusat, Pathadippalam, Edappally, Changampuzha Park and Palarivattom.

The other tenders for the construction of stations and viaducts from Kaloor Stadium to Tripunithura Petta will also be awarded soon and DMRC is hopeful of starting the work by May end. It is to speed up the construction of viaducts and stations that DMRC had floated four separate tenders.

Meanwhile, KMRL authorities have brushed aside the allegations that there is a rift between DMRC and KMRL over leasing of land for the casting yards for metro project. “KMRL have already conducted talks with FACT and SAIL in this regard and the discussions were fruitful,” said an official spokesperson of KMRL.