Kochi: Alexandre Ziegler, Ambassador of France to India, Tuesday expressed hope that French Development Agency (AFD) would extend financial support to the second phase of Kerala's ambitious Kochi Metro Rail Project.
After visiting construction sites of the metro project as well as the depot at Muttom, along with Nicolas Fornage, Regional Director for South Asia - AFD, he said a proposal for a new funding of EUR 180 million would be presented to AFD's Board on December 15, aimed at partially financing Phase II of Kochi metro.
He said the board is expected to take a favourable decision in this regard.
Talking to reporters here after holding discussions with Elias George, Managing Director, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL), Ambassador Ziegler said that the project being executed to provide a sustainable transport system to the city was one of the "most cost effective" ones.
Noting that AFD is partner to such development initiatives worldwide, the Ambassador said Kochi Metro probably be "one of the most cost effective" one.
The Ambassador expressed his satisfaction over the progress of the project.
KMRL has requested AFD to fund the second phase of Kochi Metro and improvements of major junctions like Edappally and Kalamassery.
Earlier, AFD and KMRL had carried out discussions on revamping Vyttila Mobility Hub and additional support for city improvements and place-making projects.