Antea-Unihorn JV appointed consultant for Kochi Water Metro project

Kochi (Urban Transport News): The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has issued a letter of acceptance (LoA) to a consortium comprising Antea Nederland BV (Netherlands) and Unihorn for the concept design, detailed design, and supervisory services of the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System Project (IURWTS). The total value of the contract awarded to Antea-Unihorn JV is ₹22.67 crores. The Antea-Unihorn JV has emerged as lowest bidder (L1) among the six consultants who participated in the tender process for the project.

The work has to be completed in 3.5 years (42 months). The Antea-Unihorn JV will evaluate the existing detailed project report (DPR) and prepare a comprehensive project report. Recently a Dutch contingent headed by King William-Alexander and Queen Maxima had visited the Kochi and showed their interest in partnering in development initiatives in Kerala for the areas pertaining to water management. Alkesh Kumar Sharma, Managing Director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited, said:

Major cities across the world, whether it is Venice, Amsterdam, or London, are known for their well-maintained waterways and canals. They regenerated their waterways, and they are now their lifelines. In Kochi, only 20% of waterways are in use for navigation, while the remaining are used as drainage canals. KMRL’s aim is to restore the city’s relationship with canals which were used for navigation until a few decades ago.

He said that Kochi is facing severe waterlogging and a reason for that is poor maintenance of canals. He emphasis an urgent need to rejuvenate the Kochi's canal network. He said that the KMRL is committed to regenerate five major canals and restore them for the people of Kochi. The five major canals which are covering a total length of 34 km are Edappally Canal (11.15 km), Chilavanoor Canal (11.023 km), Thevara–Perandoor Canal (9.84 km), Thevara Canal (1.41 km), and Market Canal (0.66 km). These canals are included under the Integrated Urban Regeneration and Water Transport System Project (IURWTS).

These canals will be cleaned and free from the pollutants by setting up independent sewage treatment plant and disposal systems, curbing sewage outfalls, reducing the risk of flooding, and retaining and replenishing water by ensuring its smooth flow. The accessibility will be improved by making canals navigable, improving connectivity and enhancing cross-connectivity by making the navigable routes a feeder service to the existing public transport systems.