The traders who were displaced from the Power House Road for the work on the Thakaraparambu flyover are feeling dejected. Though TRIDA had handed over the keys of the temporary sheds along Central Theatre Road almost a month ago, most of the shops are remaining closed.
Traders say it is difficult to run business on the Central Theatre Road. A number of issues such as the mess created by anti-social elements to unavailability of water are causing inconvenience to them.
Around 45 traders by and around MG Road had been rehabilitated for the construction of a flyover connecting Thakaraparambu and Power House Road. The sheds along Central Theatre Road are meant for temporary rehabilitation of the traders. However, TRIDA’s proposed project meant for permanent rehabilitation, the bus stand-cum-shopping complex on the compound of Government Central School, Attakulangara, is yet to take off.
“Most of the traders received keys. We need to invest some money to start business here. But most of us are not confident of investing money here,” said a trader. He said the Central Theatre Road is a hub of miscreants owing to the presence of a bar in the area. “They create much nuisance every day,” according to the traders.
Lack of a pipeline of Kerala Water Authority is another issue troubling the traders. “Since the sheds have been constructed on the road, vehicles won’t stop in the area. Only passengers coming out through the railway gate take this route. There is no chance for business here,” the traders said.
Most of them are waiting for the construction of the shopping complex at Attakulangara. However, the project is still on paper as the Education Department has raised objections to construction on the land belonging to it.
Trouble began for traders for the first time when the land earmarked for their rehabilitation was taken over by a retail giant. Traders are disappointed over the lackadaisical approach of the government towards the issue.