KOCHI: The Union Government’s sanction of Rs 60 crore for the Kochi Metro Rail in the annual Budget presented on Friday is indeed a green signal for the project. The only procedure left now is the Cabinet nod for the project and the authorities are hopeful that the administrative sanction will be given in a month’s time. “The State Government has taken all possible steps towards bagging the administrative sanction for the project from the Union Government. This is expected in four to six weeks’ time ,” Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director Tom Jose said. The project is at present under the consideration of the Public Investment Board (PIB) which is likely to give its approval in its next meet. Once it gets the PIB clearance, the project will be put up for Cabinet approval.“We are constantly in touch with the Finance Ministry and Planning Commission. The Budget allocation underlines the Union Government’s commitment to the project which will transform the way people live and move around in our city,” Jose added.Meanwhile, sources said the declaration of election code of conduct for the Piravom bypoll was another reason that delayed the sanction. “The State Government knows that it will not be possible for it to take administrative decisions and announce the project since the election code of conduct is in existence since February. Now, the project will get the Centre’s nod by next month,” sources added.
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