KOCHI: The much-awaited flyover at Edappally junction was finally thrown open to the public on Sunday, much to the delight of daily commuters along the busy Edappally road.
Education minister C Raveendranath inaugurated the 433-meter long flyover, which has been built by the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) in just 20 months after spending Rs 38 crores of the estimated Rs 49 crores construction cost. “The demand for an under passage at Edappally to make the connection between Vyttila and Paravoor easier will be seriously considered,” said Raveendranath, while replying to the demand raised by former PWD minister Ibrahim Kunju at the function.
“The demand would be taken up with the Chief Minister, the PWD minister and the Finance Minister,” he assured. Raveendran, who inaugurated the project in the absence of PWD Minister G Sudhakaran, said the LDF government was giving more importance to developmental projects. “The government has made maximum efforts to provide adequate funds for infrastructure projects initiated by the previous government. Infrastructure projects worth Rs 50,000 crores have been proposed,” he added. Speaking on the occasion, Kunju said the state exchequer had saved Rs 30 crores from the flyover project.
“The total estimated cost for building the structure was Rs 108 crore, which included funds for land acquisition and construction. However, the total expenditure was about Rs 78 crores, including the Rs 30 crores spent for properly rehabilitating the evictees,” said Kunju. He added that the flyover project at Edappally had been delayed only because the National Highway Authorities of India denied to allot funds for the project. In his address, DMRC principal advisor E Sreedharan credited the employees and construction workers for completing the flyover in 20 months. “Their effort resulted in timely completion of the project. The 433-metre long structure has no joints, thereby offering a smooth ride to vehicles. That is its main specialty,” he said.
Kochi Mayor Soumini Jain said better connectivity of roads was as important as better quality of roads to reduce traffic clutter. “Better connectivity of roads would be possible for us with the completion of Thammanam-Pullepady, Goshree-Mamangalam, Vyttila and other proposed flyovers,” said Jain , adding, “The PWD should join hands with the corporation to act against encroachments on roadside. It will also help reduce traffic congestion.”