With the construction work of Kochi Metro Rail beginning, the civic administrators have decided to put forward some of the long-pending infrastructure projects before the State Government to include them in the list of preparatory works. This include the construction of new flyovers and widening of major roads.
In connection with the preparatory works, the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation(DMRC) has already completed a new Rail Overbridge (RoB) connecting Salim Rajan Road and Rajaji Road. The reconstruction of North RoB is nearing completion while DMRC has launched the preliminary steps for widening the MG Road, South Railway Station Road and Banerjee Road.
The civic administrators believe that the proven track record of DMRC, its expertise and speed in implementing the civil works, will help complete the major infrastructure projects if the State Government decides to entrust the work with DMRC.
The government had already entrusted DMRC with the construction of flyover at Vyttila. But, experts believe that along with the construction of flyover at Edappally, the state should also look into the possibilities of constructing similar flyovers at Palarivattam, Vyttila and Kundannoor. “The major reason is that once the work of the Kochi metro is completed, it would be difficult to carryout major infrastructure works in the areas along the Metro alignment. Hence priority should be given to complete the works within the dity,” experts said.
They said thePachalam Railway gate is still one of the major reasons for the heavy traffic snarls in the area. Hence the construction of the RoB at Pachalam is the need of the hour.”
The DMRC has completed the construction of the new RoB near Salim Rajan Road within the deadline. Hence the state should take steps to entrust DMRC with the construction of Pachalam RoB. The MLAs and ministers from Kochi should push this demand forward,” they added.
Another major infrastructure project is the construction of Atlantis RoB. ”Along with that, the reconstruction of South Rail Overbridge (RoB) should also be considered,” they added.