Second phase of Willingdon walkway soon

Kochi: Allotting ample space for a walker or jogger either in the morning or evenings to keep fit, a new and enticing walkway by the side of Vembanad lake is getting ready at Willingdon on the land owned by the Cochin Port Trust (CPT).

The first phase of the walkway which begins near the BOT bridge is nearly one kilometer. The work on it is almost over and lights are being fitted while work on the second phase in over two kilometers is going to be initiated soon with financial assistance from the Union Tourism Ministry.

A total of Rs 1 crore was spent to build the first phase of the walkway. The funds for this were given by Kochi Refineries Limited (KRL).

“We expect the second phase of the work to cost nearly Rs 12 crore and the major component will be given by the Union Tourism Ministry and this space will be a new attraction for people in the city and also tourists, especially those coming by luxury liners,” said local MP and Union Food Minister Prof K V Thomas who has taken the initiative to implement the project.  The second phase of the walkway will be up to Alexander Parambithara bridge.

There will be a cafeteria and toilets on the walkway apart from seating provisions. The project is being designed by the State Tourism Department and is implemented by CPT in association with the District Tourism Promotion Council. Architect Gopakumar is the designer of the project.