The new Marine Drive walkway modelled after a rice boat, which is likely to present a whole new experience to the visitors, is ready for inauguration.
Greater Cochin Development Authority chairman N. Venugopal said the aim was to develop the new walkway in to a tourist destination in due course.
The walkway, which has been set up behind the High Court and extended up to the Goshree Bridge, will be opened for the public by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on April 28 at 6 p.m. It will extend a 1.5-kilometer stretch from Kinco boat jetty to Goshree Bridge. Minister for Urban Affairs Manjalamkuzhi Ali will preside over the inaugural function.
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Chairs facing the backwater for visitors are placed on one side while a garden consumes the other side of the walkway built at a cost of Rs. 10.50 crore. It has its foundation on six arches of 60 tonnes.
Two food courts will function at either end of the walkway. Besides, kiosks will be allowed on the bridge.
Mr. Venugopal said that a small stage would be constructed near the Goshree Bridge where the footbridge ends. The stage will provide a free venue for artists and youth organisations among others.
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A 20-meter wide electronic display board is also on the anvil. It will be used for regular broadcast of advertisements and screening of documentaries with the support of Information Department.