Scomi Group Eyes Monorail Project In Karnataka, India

By M.Santhiran NEW DELHI, Feb 25 (Bernama) -- Having successfully completed phase one of the Mumbai Monorail System in India and currently undertaking a second phase, the Scomi Group is also eyeing a 59-kilometre line in the southern city of Bengaluru, in Karnataka state. Group Chief Operating Officer (Transport) Kanesan Veluppilai said the company had already obtained initial approvals from various agencies and the state is believed to be in favour of awarding it the project. "We will be meeting state officials today (Thursday) to discuss further the financial aspect of developing the project on a government-to-government (G to G) basis, with the Construction Industry Development Board (CIDB) and Works Ministry backing our effort. "Should the Karnataka government give its final approval, we hope to start our initial works within the next 10 months with the support of a joint consortium funding the project," he added. Kanesan said this when contacted after briefing a Malaysian delegation on the second phase of the monorail system in Wadala, Mumbai. He also said that other than the monorail project, Scomi was also keen on highway and urban housing development projects in Karnataka. Meanwhile, the Malaysian delegation headed by the CIDB's acting chief executive, Sariah Abdul Karib, called on Maharastra state - Mumbai is the capital - Chief Minister Devendra Fadnavis. The delegation also conveyed Scomi's intention to be involved in urban development and housing projects in the state. The 12-member delegation, other than meeting state officials in Karnataka and Maharastra, is also scheduled to call on senior officials of Prime Minister Narendra Modi's office on Friday. Phase one of the Mumbai Monorail project runs over nine kilometres and Scomi also operates the line. The second phase spans 11 kilometres.Scomi will also operate the system which is expected to become fully operational early next year. -- BERNAMA