The much talked-about Broadway and Ernakulam Market Heritage and Urban Renewal Project, which is on a standstill, is likely to end up as a non-starter as the Kochi Corporation is yet to take steps for pushing the project forward.
The project was sanctioned in 2010 under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) and the plan was to start its implementation by by April 2013.
“The project was actually mooted in 2010 at an estimated cost of Rs 22 crore. The tender for the project was floated only in 2012 and that was the first flaw from the authorities. The delay resulted in cost escalation taking the total project cost to Rs 34 crore. However the government after intervention from Hibi Eden MLA, has agreed to bear the the tender excess,” said Coporation sources.
They added that now neither the JNNURM office nor the Corporation authorities are interested to carry forward the project. “Earlier, a group of officials in JNNURM and KSUDP questioned the feasibility of the project. More detailed study was conducted and non-feasible suggestions were omitted.Even then, they were raising various objections against the project,” sources alleged.
Meanwhile, a top Corporation official denied the allegations and said there are no such apathy.
“The major reason for the delay was the lack of funds owing to which we are unable to allot the work. The decision to allot the work to Marymatha Construction Company was already approved by the council. But, the work can be allotted only after we receive the State’s share for the project. As per the JNNURM guidelines, the Union Government’s share will be 50 per cent of the total project cost. Out of the remaining 50 per cent, 30 per cent will have to be contributed by the State Government. The remaining should be pumped in by the Corporation,” said a top corporation official.
The Ernakulam Market Heritage and Urban Renewal Project mainly aims at the beautification of the Broadway and the Ernakulam Market without interrupting the heritage value and character of the existing structures. Introduction of proper waste management, beautification of the walkways and providing roofing for the area are other key components of the project.