The subway at Palayam Junction which has been in a state of neglect by both the public and the authorities may soon get a facelift. The facility, which was much used in the initial years of its existence in the 80s, had become a haven for anti-social elements and beggars in the recent years.
The lights and other installations were stolen and it was reduced to a dirty passage. During monsoon, it used to get submerged by dirty water.
Though the Corporation authorities had handed over the facility to a Thiruvananthapuram-based agency, under the Blooming Calicut project, the subway remained deserted by passengers.
Wires, lights stolenThe agency, according to its proprietor Anil Kummannur, had invested a few lakh rupees in the past few years for the electrification of the facility. But it ‘went down the drain’ as the wires and other objects were stolen. “Nor did we get any substantial advertisements as the area became less appealing to advertisers due to the overcrowding of the area by banners and posters of political parties,” he said.
As per a BOT agreement, the agency will take care of the maintenance of the subway for 10 years from the revenue they collect from placing advertisements on all four entrances of the subway.
In a last ditch effort, the agency has, however, once again decided to give a facelift to the subway by painting the premises, electrifying the passages, keeping the area clean, and posting a security guard. “We are planning to hang some paintings on the walls so as to add to its appeal,” said Mr. Kummannur.
In a fortnightThe subway will be opened for public after cleaning and electrification work. “We expect the work to be completed by the second week of December,” he said.
