Inching closer to Kochi Metro

KCOHI: Inching closer to realising the dream Metro Rail Project, the preliminary work of the rail-related projects will be launched on Saturday. The projects that will kick-start next week include the renovation of the North rail overbridge (ROB). In order to  tackle the difficulties that would arise when the overbridge is dismantled for renovation, the authorities will construct a new ROB at Salim Rajan Road. The proposed ROB will connect the Salim Rajan Road, near KSTRC bus stand, to Mullassery Canal Road. The state government will provide funds for the construction of the ROB which will be constructed above the KSRTC garage in a semi-circular shape. “The KSRTC has already given a total of one acre and seven cents of land for the project. Apart from this, three families were evicted from the area. They will be given five cents of land and rehabilitated in Thrikkakara,” Ernakulam District Collector Sheik Pareeth said.

The Collector was addressing a press conference organised  on Thursday at the Kochi Corporation Council hall. The title deeds will be distributed to the families at the inaugural function.

Briefing the media, Mayor Tony Chammany said that the construction of the ROB at Salim Rajan Road and the widening of the Thammanam-Pulleppady road would help ease the traffic problems of the city when the overbridge is demolished.  “The arterial roads through which the traffic will be re-routed also have to be repaired. Since the Corporation contractors are carrying out a strike, we are planning to send a request to Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDCK) and Public Works Department to undertake the immediate repair of these roads,” he said. He also said that a proper plan will be formulated for the rehabilitation of  those evicted from the shops under the North overbridge. “The plan is to rehabilitate the shop owners in the shops to be constructed by RBDCK under the Pulleppady ROB. If the bridge is dismantled before the shops under the ROB are constructed, temporary facilities will be provided for them under the Irumbanam ROB,” he said.

Hibi Eden MLA who was present at the press meeting said that a meeting of the stake holders connected with North overbridge renovation would be convened soon. “The major aim of the meeting is to give assurance to the business fraternity and the trade organisations that the dismantling of the North overbridge will be carried out only after ensuring alternative steps.

The meet is also expected to address various concerns already raised by them,” he said.

Chief Minister Oommen Chandy will launch the Metro rail-related projects at a function to be held at the Ernakulam Town Hall on Saturday evening.