Thiruvananthapuram Monorail: Third Phase to reach Varkala

Thiruvananthapuram: Power and Transport Minister Aryadan Mohammed asserted in the Assembly on Tuesday that the monorail project for the capital city will become a reality during the tenure of the present Government itself. “No force can alter it,” he declared, while replying to a submission raised by Varkala Kahar MLA of the Congress.

The Minister made it clear that the proposed monorail project would be extended to Varkala in its third phase. The Minister also rubbished reports that the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) had raised objections to the project. “The DMRC has not said whether the project is viable or not,” said Aryadan Mohammed in unequivocal terms.

“But there are forces, including a section of the media, working overtime to prevent the coming of E Sreedharan,” he alleged and said that they would be exposed soon.

The government said the monorail project for the capital city will become a reality during its tenure only.

Presenting the submission, Varkala Kahar said that monorail was a dream project and all measures should be taken to make it a reality. "NATPAC has handed over the project report to DMRC and the latter has been asked to file a detailed project report within a month," he said.

He also pointed out that in capital cities like Chennai, elevated rail projects extend to about 300 km and, as such, the Thiruvananthapuram project should be extended to Varkala, which is a burgeoning tourist destination and to Nedumangad, considering its importance as a path which dots pioneering institutions like IIST.

Aryadan said that the project will be implemented at any cost. “In the third phase, the proposal to extend the route of monorail up to Varkala will be considered,” he said.

“No, it will be definitely extended,” he said on a second thought, thereby dispelling doubts.

DMRC is expected to submit a DPR by July 9, for which, Chief Minister Oommen Chandy has issued directives. The DPR will come up for consideration of the state cabinet.

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