Ground reality: FIFA makeover hits a ‘road’block in Kochi

Paucity of funds cited for delay in road works.

Two key road projects that were expected to augment connectivity in greater-Kochi area prior to the city hosting the Under-17 FIFA World Cup in October 2017 are progressing at a snail’s pace, with funds paucity cited as a reason.

This is despite the fact that the Union Urban Development Ministry has offered Rs 500 crore to the city which would host the matches. The State government too is expected to pool in with its bounty for the city.

Four-laning of M.G. Road-Pullepady-Thammanam-NH Bypass Road would considerably augment much-needed east-west connectivity, while widening and simultaneous extension to Kochi airport of Airport-Seaport Road would tremendously boost north-south connectivity, decongesting NH Bypass and NH 47. The three-kilometre-long first corridor would unwind traffic snarls on S.A. Road, Banerjee Road and NH Bypass and passes through 10 Divisions of Kochi Corporation that are located in the heart of the city.

The two crucial infrastructure projects have been taken up by the PWD and Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK). “The two projects can be sped up only if State government allocates sufficient funds,” said sources in the two agencies.

Sprucing up city

The PWD and the Urban Development Department are working jointly to spruce up the city and to augment civic infrastructure since this is critical for Kochi to be selected as a venue for FIFA matches.

Four other cities too have been shortlisted by the organisers to host the event.

The PWD Secretary, A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, former District Collector of Ernakulam and nodal officer for FIFA matches said that multiple agencies – metro-rail stakeholders, the PWD, the RBDCK and Kochi Corporation would be involved in the process of boosting civic amenities. “Narrow junctions that stifle smooth flow of vehicles too must be widened to prevent traffic snarls,” Mr. Hanish said.

Superintending Engineer of the PWD Hashim P.A. said that the Karnakodam-Katrikadavu stretch between Thammanam and Pullepady would be developed in the first phase for which land acquisition was expected to cost Rs. 110 crore.

“Constructing a four-lane road is expected to cost around Rs. 6 crore.”

A kick in the teeth

Four-laning of M.G. Road-Pullepady-Thammanam-NH Bypass Road and widening and extension of Airport-Seaport Road to Nedumbassery pending.

Work progressing snail's pace.