KOCHI: The Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) - which will be implementing the Smart City project under the Union Government's 100 Smart Cities programme - has come up with a proposal to remodel Broadway, one of the busiest commercial centres in the city.
CSML CEO A P M Mohammed Hanish announced the proposal for the overall development of Broadway at an interactive session with the office-bearers of the Kerala Merchants Chamber of Commerce.
Under the Smart City programme, CSML's project area includes Mattancherry and Fort Kochi on the western side and Marine Drive, Broadway and MG Road in the city centre. The Smart City Mission's development programmes will be focused mainly in these areas. The proposal for the renovation of Broadway primarily includes restructuring its narrow stretches without affecting the heritage value of the spot.
The lack of proper drainage system, narrow roads, inadequate number of street lights, insufficient parking space and illegal street vendors are some of the major issues at Broadway. Customers visiting the shops find it difficult to walk through the streets. The poor infrastructure and trade regularisation also need to be addressed.
The global consultant will conduct a detailed study on the proposal and, based on their recommendations, CSML will prepare a detailed project report.
“Our plan is to give a whole new look to Broadway with the help of proper walkways, a market square complex for street hawkers, proper drainage system and related infrastructure. However, the entire work will be carried out without affecting the existing aesthetic and heritage values of the spot,” Hanish said.
Kochi had figured in the first list of 20 cities announced by the Union Government for the ‘Smart Cities Mission’ in January 2016.
KMCC president V A Yousuff presided over the session with general secretary K M Mohammed Sageer in attendance.