The state government has allocated Rs 13.85 crore in the concluding session of the budget on Wednesday for the Broadway Heritage Project and renovation of Ernakulam market.
The Centre had already allocated Rs 22.12 crore in 2010 to Kochi Corporation for both the projects sanctioned in 2010 under the Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).
Owing to the delay in materialisation of the project, the cost had escalated taking the total project cost to Rs 35.95 crore. Though the State Government had given approval for tender excess, the project was at a standstill.
“Till this day, the stance of the state government was that it would not bear the rest of the amount. But, we vehemently protested against it which resulted in the allocation of funds by the Finance Minister for the projects,” said Hibi Eden MLA.
Hibi Eden said the renovation project is one of the seven such projects in India and the only one in Kerala.
The Broadway Urban Renewal and Pedestrianisation project aims at redesigning the Broadway street to pedestrianise it during peak hours.
The Ernakulam Market Conservation and Renewal project aims at converting the market into a modern facility without damaging the scale and essential character of the architectural ensemble.
Introduction of proper waste management, beautification of walkways and providing roofing for the area are the key components of the project.
With the State Government making allocations in the budget for the Broadway and Ernakulam Market Heritage and Urban Renewal Project, the Kochi Corporation authorities are planning to start its implementation by April.
Hibi added that `30 lakh was allotted to construct the statue of G Sankara Kurup on the High Court premises and a decision has been taken to extend the `1,000-crore Japan International Cooperation Agency (JICA) project to Cheranellur panchayat.