KOCHI: Broadway, a favourite shopping haunt, is mired in history and the Union Government has included it under the projects allotted for the City under Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM). The then Union Government gave its nod in 2009, but the authorities concerned failed to take up the project. Insiders within the Corporation alleged that some vested interests were trying to sabotage the project.
Named ‘Broadway and Ernakulam Market Heritage Renewal Project’, the initial estimated cost for it was `22 crore. But the delay in carrying out the tender procedures for its implementation has resulted in a cost escalation to `34 crore. As per the plan, 50 per cent of the approved funds will be provided by the Centre and the rest by the state government and the Corporation. A company, Marymatha, came forward to undertake the project.
“But we do not know what happened to it and the authorities concerned are yet to give an explanation,” sources alleged.
Once implemented, Broadway will be among the first spots in the city to be pedestrianised. The plan was to construct a parking facility at Marine Drive for visitors to Broadway.
Key Components
■ Pedestrian-friendly stretch
■ Essential character of the heritage market to be maintained
■ Conservation of the building and structures of heritage value
■ Waste, Traffic management
■ Channelising street vendors in the area
■ Renovation of walkways and roads
■ Seating will be provided by the roads, proper signage
■ Fire safety measures