KOCHI: Decks have been cleared for the speedy implementation of the₹8-crore beautification project on the nearly 2-km stretch between Aluva and Pulinchodu along the metro corridor after concerns raised by a section of traders were addressed at a conciliatory meeting held at the Aluva municipal office on Friday.
The implementation of the project on one side of the stretch had been stalled for months, thanks to opposition from the trading community who feared potential damage to business. At the meeting, the Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) authorities accepted the traders’ demand for parking space and access to their establishments without compromising on the project concept. Traders on their part claimed that all their demands had been accepted by KMRL, which effected necessary changes in the sketch and plan. Work will now be intensified, KMRL officials said.
A few nights ago, the tiles and concrete bollards erected as part of the beautification project were allegedly smashed by miscreants. Subsequently, four councillors, cutting across party affiliations, staged a protest outside the Aluva metro station demanding the intervention of the municipal authorities and the MLA for the speedy implementation of the project. Following the protest, Aluva municipal chairperson Lissy Abraham had called the meeting of all stakeholders to thrash out differences.
The meeting was attended by Anwar Sadat, MLA, municipal chairperson, councillors, and representatives of KMRL, National Highways Authority of India, Merchants’ Association, and the Action Council for Development of Aluva.
