Special package sought for MG Road

 

During the meeting convened by the civic administration on Tuesday, urban designers stressed the need to have comprehensive plans for the modernisation of MG Road with the ongoing Metro Rail construction activities taken into consideration.

 

A broad range of innovative suggestions were discussed during the session including urban transportation, IT connectivity, improved crime monitoring, and basic services like sewerage, waste management and affordable housing.

 

Experts pointed out that ‘efficient urban mobility’ should be the focus of Smart City proposals and the Mattancherry – Fort Kochi zone and the Ernakulam central business desk could be considered for the retrofitting component of Smart City, under which an existing built-up area of more than 500 acres would be identified for implementing development projects.

 

Apart from infra projects, programmes for enhancing the social and economic living standards of city residents also have to be conceived under the project, the meeting observed.

 

Replying to this, Mayor Tony Chammany said that the civic body would prepare a people-driven Smart City proposal in consultation with people from all walks of life.

 

Some specific suggestions emerged include setting up pedestrian facilities along MG  Road, initiating solar farms, improvement of canals, revitalization of Edakochi and West Kochi areas, market area redevelopment, use of energy efficient streetlights with CCTV and electric charger and the development of a model road in the Vytilla – Edapally stretch.

 

A 25-member architect delegation, 15 member urban designer delegation and representatives of builders participated in the discussions.