KOCHI: The development of the Thammanam-Pullepady road, proposed as a third corridor connecting MG Road and NH 66, has long been an election promise in Kochi corporation. The work, however, has been delayed for around three decades, with the changing dispensations at both the local and state levels failing to act on their assurances. “For more than three decades, politicians have been promising to begin work on the road development. However, land acquisition is yet to be completed,” said Ramesh Mathew, a property owner along the corridor.
“Now, they are conducting a social impact study. The Thammanam-Pullepady road can ease the traffic congestion in the city. It can be beneficial for commuters as well as business establishments in the MG Road area,” he pointed out.
While the Thammanam-Pullepady road development project was initiated by the Kochi corporation, it was handed over to the public works department in 2017. Sudha Dileepkumar, Pullepady councillor and a member of the expert committee, said the revenue department is yet to issue notification 12 (1) -- under the Land Acquisition, Rehabilitation and Resettlement Act, 2013 -- to acquire land.
“In the committee, we had discussed the demands and expectations of the landowners in the area about land acquisition. We were informed that the notification 12 (1) would be issued soon. However, as the election was declared, there is a delay,” she said, adding that the committee has requested a special package for people who have to give their property twice.
Jayashankar, another property owner in Pullepady, said: “When governments changed, ego clashes and delays happened. Also, changes in the alignment, complaints from the residents, and disagreements on the compensation also led to a delay in starting the work.”
In 2020, the corporation completed the widening of a small portion, from Kathrikadavu junction to Karanakodam bridge. “KIIFB has earmarked `1,500 crore for the project. We expect the work to begin by January,” Sudha said.
Meanwhile, Ramesh said these local issues are not discussed enough, and therefore, no action has been taken. “The road passes through three or four divisions of the corporation and its development will help not just the residents but also commuters,” he added.