Prime Meridian begins feasibility study survey for Coimbatore Metro Rail project

Coimbatore, India (Urban Transport News): Chennai-based syrvey firm Prime Meridian Survey Private Limited has commneced feasibility study and route survey work for proposed metro rail project in Coimbatore city last week.

The firm was appointed by Chennai Metro Rail Limited (CMRL) and has been given responsibility to look at all three routes where metro rail could be built, alternative routes, whether to build elevated rail corridor or on surface (at grade) or underground, the cost involved for land acquisition, wherever necessary, and construction. However, a Mumbai-based firm has been given responisibility to prepare route maps for the mass rapid transit project in Coimbatore.

The survey was followed by a high-level meeting held in Chennai, a few days ago. Senior officials from the Municipal Administration and Water Supply, Finance and a few other departments and CMRL representatives had participated in the meeting.

The survey firm will submit feasibility report to CMRL to prepare the detailed project report (DPR) of the Coimbatore Metro Rail project.

According to plan, the firm will conduct DGPS survey at 400 places on the three proposed corridors – Ukkadam – Kaniyur, Thanneerpandal – Karanampettai and Ukkadam – Vellalore. “Later, we will use Lidar devices, which will be fixed on the roof of a vehicle, to conduct topographical survey. We have to complete the two surveys before the first week of October. The survey report will be submitted to the Rail India Technical and Economic Service Limited (RITES),” said an official.

“DPR will be submitted to the government for approval. After receiving approval and funding, further action including tendering will be initiated,” he said.

Earlier, french firm Systra MVA was given the responsibility to prepare the feasibility study report and DPR of the project but the state government had changed its plan to built metro rail and proposed monorail project which was later dropped.

According to the comprehensive mobility plan for Coimbatore, five metro corridors with a total length of 136-km have been identified to implement the project in the city.

For more details, please explore the Coimbatore Metro page of Urban Transport News.