KOCHI: The controversies over Pachalam ROB seems to be ending at least for the time being with the state government solving the ambiguity over the responsibility of the work by issuing an new order (GO(Ms)No60/2014/Trans dated 26/08/2014).
Earlier, while issuing Administrative Sanction (AS) and revised AS, the authorities had not made explicitly clear that the construction of Pachalam ROB would be the preparatory work of Kochi Metro and to streamline the traffic in the city during the phase of construction of the Metro viaduct. This ambiguity had caused disputes as, in effect, it caused none responsible for the work and its after effects.However, the new GO has put it in clear terms that “the construction of the Pachalam ROB at an estimate cost of `52.59 crore would be a preparatory work to be undertaken by the DMRC on the same terms and conditions that were prevalent in the earlier set of preparatory works”.Meanwhile, the land acquisition proceedings of the ROB, which was the main reason for work obstruction from the side of a local traders and tenants, has also achieved a break through.“The land price fixed at `14 lakh has been agreed by all parties concerned. The district administration has issued 6 (1) notification to landowners and tenats. Proceedings of land handover will be initiated after Onam,” said Deputy Collector Shobana.