The State Government has reiterated its decision to entrust the Kochi Metro project to Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC).
This is what transpired at a meeting Chief Minister Oommen Chandy had with State Government representatives on Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Ltd (KMRL) Board.
These members were asked to appraise the State Government’s position to the full board of KMRL as and when it meets, sources in KMRL said.
But they were told that they should keep in mind that there is no change in the government’s decision favouring DMRC as the implementing agency.
Conflicting norms
This comes in the backdrop of continuing uncertainty over the project from conflicting Central Vigilance Commission (CVC) norms and doubts over access to low-cost funds from Japan International Cooperation Agency.
CVC norms do not allow award of the contract to an agency which did the consultancy for the project.
DMRC principal adviser E. Sreedharan is of the view that CVC norms will not be applicable here as the contract is between two government agencies.
DMRC was a consultant to the State Government for preparing the detailed project report. But when it comes to the construction of the metro rail, the arrangement is between KMRL and DMRC.
But DMRC might have to follow competitive bidding, as insisted by JICA.