KMRL proposes mega project to decongest city roads
Picture for representational purpose only. (Photo: File/DC archives)
Kochi: The Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) has proposed a mega project as part of the preparatory work for Metro Rail, in order to decongest city roads and to resolve traffic congestion. The '350crore worth proposal to be submitted to the state government for approval, focuses on road development, junction improvement and reconstruction of small bridges. Widening of Thammanam-Pullepady road is one of the major work to be undertaken in the second phase.
“KMRL’s objective is to develop a good road transport system in the city by the time Metro Rail is commissioned. We have identified more than 20 roads to be developed in the next phase for which minimum land acquisition is needed, if any. The second phase of preparatory work will be designed in such a manner that it can be completed without much delay. The KMRL is aware of the inconvenience caused to the public due to delay in widening city roads,” said Mr. Elias George, managing director of KMRL.
According to KMRL authorities, Thammanam-Pullepady road development, for which the state government has already handed over '25crore to the city corporation, is a major challenge due to the huge land acquisition cost, which is almost five times higher than the actual project cost.
Apart from this, the KMRL also plans to develop the Foreshore Road in phase-II. “The development work will be carried out by the agencies concerned like PWD, corporation or GCDA, while the KMRL will be only be a nodal agency to channelize the funds and monitor progress of work,” added Mr. Elias George.
Though the reconstruction of North Rail overbridge and construction of Salim Rajan RoB could be completed in a record time, delay in widening of Banarjee Road, MG Road has resulted in traffic congestion.
The total cost of phase-I preparatory work is Rs 237crore, while the estimated expense of phase-I was Rs 156 cr. Apart from construction of North RoB, Salim Rajan RoB and widening of road from North to Kacheripady the Metro authorities have resurfaced 21 roads in the city, in the phase-I. Construction of Pachalam RoB has been listed in phase-I for which '63crore has already been allocated.
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