KOCHI: Giving a much-needed boost to the Kochi Metro Rail Ltd's (KMRL) plans to promote non-motorized transport (NMT) systems, the French development agency, AFD has expressed willingness to provide Rs 189 crore for it.AFD has 'expressed willingness' to implement the NMT at Aluva Junction, Edappally Junction, Vyttila Junction, Petta Junction and SN Junction and improvements at Sahodaran Ayyappan Road.With the French team stating its readiness to associate in development of NMT, the KMRL is hopeful that it will be able to recover the money, which they have already spent for undertaking junction development works at Aluva and Edappally.KMRL managing director APM Mohammed Hanish said: "The discussions with AFD were positive and its willingness to consider the KMRL projects for further funding is a most welcome development for KMRL and its ambitious projects. With the help of AFD, the KMRL will be able to execute these projects, which will surely improve city landscape to international levels."Earlier, the Metro agency had won the ministry of housing and urban affairs' (MoHUA) award of excellence in the category of best non-motorised transport project In India for its Edappally Junction improvement and pedestrian safety project. The Metro agency had spent around Rs 4.5 crore on developing Edappally into a pedestrian-friendly area.Separate electronic signals have been provided for pedestrians to cross the road at the busy junction. An underpass has been built to facilitate pedestrians to cross from one Metro station to the other located on the opposite side. Road crossings are marked securely. Signages, anti-dust measures, full lighting throughout the night under the flyover, footpath lighting, roof for the footpath, separate pre-paid autorickshaw stand and hand railing for the footpath are the other facilities.According to the Metro agency, the French team expressed satisfaction on the progress of phase one of the Kochi Metro project. They also indicated their willingness to consider the phase two from JLN Stadium to Infopark, phase-IA up to SN Junction of Kochi Metro for future funding.AFD representatives carried out a detailed evaluation of the projects on November 19 and 20. The Metro agency presented the details of phase-I, IA & IB, NMT from Aluva to S N Junction and Vyttila Mobility Hub projects. The team also reiterated its willingness to fund Vyttila Mobility Hub, after due project appraisal from AFD.AFD team consisting of Mathieu Verdure, task team leader on urban transport at the transportation and mobility division (TER/MOB), Clemence Vidal de la Blache, deputy director of New Delhi AFD's office and Rajnish Ahuja, project officer in New Delhi AFD's office had visited the city to review the progress of phase-I of Kochi Metro rail project and to study the extensions and other proposals for possible funding. The AFD team also undertook a site visit and covered the regions between the Maharaja's College and Tripunithura.The extension of Metro to Tripunithura railway station is expected to bring in a complete change in the public transportation sector.

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