Ironing out their differences with the Kochi Corporation over the funds for construction of the Makkaparambu subway in Edappally, the Railways have decided to complete the pending construction work of the subway within the next three months. The decision was taken at a meeting called by Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas in Kochi on Monday.
The work of the subway that commenced in 2001 had come to a grinding halt a few months ago with the Corporation failing to provide funds, railway officials said.
The Railways cite that the Corporation was to pay an additional Rs 40 lakh for carrying out the work. The total cost of the subway is now estimated at Rs 2.91 crore. According to DRM Rajesh Agarwal, the leaks on the walls and the roof of the subway resulted in flooding in the underpass. “The subway is yet to become fully functional due to the leaks on the roof and the walls of the subway. We admit that there were flaws during the construction, partly due to geographical conditions of the place. So extra care and more funds are required to ensure that they are leak-proof,” Rajesh Agarwal said.
Union Minister K V Thomas told Mayor Tony Chammany to sanction Rs 20 lakh immediately to commence the pending work. The remaining Rs 20 lakh will be paid at a later phase.
Besides the leak, there is a need to tar the road in the subway. Also, a pumping system has to be in place to prevent water-logging. Lighting for the pedestrians and speeding up construction of the approach road of the subway are yet to be taken up.
The residents of Makkaparambu had organised many agitations demanding the Corporation ensure the speedy completion of the subway. They said the subway was their only means of connection to the main road.
Excise Minister K Babu, Hibi Eden MLA, Dominic Presentation MLA, Charles Dias MP and District Collector P I Sheikh Pareeth were also present at the meeting.
