Political support The first phase of the Kochi Metro took over two decades, from ideation to creation. During this period, governments changed at the national level between Congress- and BJP-led coalitions. The project got lagged in the period 2007–2010. Three chief ministers were instrumental in promoting the Kochi Metro; namely, A. K. Antony, V. S. Achuthanandan, and Oommen Chandy. It was inaugurated in June 2017 . The metro was built by E. Sreedharan, 'Metro Man' Technocrat who earlier created Delhi Metro and Konkan Railway. Preparatory work and supporting activities The DMRC felt that it was necessary to undertake preparatory works to avoid disruptions to commuters during the construction of the Kochi Metro. The agency suggested five preparatory works to the State government, which approved all five projects in March 2010. The preparatory works were intended to be completed before constructing the metro. The works included the widening of 3 arterial roads and the construction of a new rail over bridge (RoB) near KSRTC station and a foot over bridge. The A.L. Jacob RoB near the KSRTC stand, commissioned on 12 May 2013, was the first of the five works to be completed. Apart from the five originally proposed projects, some additional projects such as the construction of the Ernakulam North RoB, and the flyover at Edapally were also carried out. The work was being undertaken by DMRC initially but was later undertaken by KMRL, due to a shortage of qualified personnel with the DMRC. Other projects include construction of a new RoB connecting Mullassery Canal Road and Salim Rajan Road, and the widening of the Town Hall-Madhava Pharmacy Junction stretch, and Jos Junction-South Railway Station road. The DMRC will execute all preparatory works. The State Government had set apart 1.58 billion for preliminary works. On 3 March 2012, KMRL handed over 150 million to DMRC for undertaking the preparatory works. The DMRC had been given 230 million earlier. Flyover at Edappally KMRL and the Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) signed an agreement on 22 July 2013, to build a flyover at Edapally to reduce the congestion at the junction of NH 47 and NH 17 at Edappally. The DMRC was appointed to implement the project. Education minister C Raveendranath inaugurated the 433-meter long flyover on 11 September 2016. It is supported by Twenty-four piers with 90 piles. The estimated cost of building the structure was , however, the total expenditure