Shot in the Arm for Major Projects

The state Cabinet accords sanction for six projects worth Rs 847.32 crore

It seems like Kochi’s long wait for a few infrastructure projects is  coming to an end with the state Cabinet according sanction for six projects worth `847.32 crore.

The projects for which the government allotted funds include fly overs at  Vyttila (`109 crore), Palarivarrom (`72.6 crore), Kundannoor, Chakkaraparambu-Infopark four-lane Road (`412.2 crore), development of Vyttila-Petta Road (`120 crore) and Railway overbridge at Pachalam (`52.7 crore). Of these, the construction of Pachalam ROB and development of Vyttila-Pettah  Road are being implemented as preparatory works for the Kochi Metro and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation(DMRC) is the implementing agency for both the projects..

A railway overbridge at Pachalam is four-decade old demand. There was also a proposal to construct a roundabout jointly by the Railway, Cochin Port Trust and Goshree Island Development Authority (GIDA), but was dropped later. The issue of Pachalam ROB has been hitting headlines with residents staging protests demanding immediate construction of the ROB.   The people of Pachalam even raised a threat that they would keep off from the election, if  there was a not a positive decision regarding the ROB.

 The High Court also severely criticised the Corporation for the inaction over the matter. However, the re-designed proposal for Pachalam rail overbridge drawn up by the DMRC got the the nod of the civic body recently. Meanwhile, just one day after the Chief Minister announced allotment of funds, Hibi Eden MLA said the inauguration of the construction of Pachalam ROB would be held on March 4.

“The DMRC entrusted with the work has informed that the construction could be completed within six months,” the MLA said.

Union Minister of State for Food and Civil Supplies K V Thomas will inaugurate the construction activities.

The construction of Palarivattom flyover is already entrusted with the Road and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDCK) and they have invited tender for it. Flyovers at Vyttila and Kundannoor will be constructed by Road Fund Board.

The alignment for the four-lane road from Chakaraparambu on the National Highway has been completed. There will be only four entry points to the road  which passes through Vennala, Palachuvad, Thuthiyoor and Chittethukara.

Funds for three flyovers and roads are allotted under the Speed Kerala project of the state government.

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