As the Kochi Corporation gets ready to convene a special council to
clear the roadblocks faced in the implementation of Pachalam Rail Over
Bridge (ROB) project on Thursday, they would have to tackle many a
hurdles, including the divergent opinions regarding the width of the
bridge.
Though the proposed width is 22 mts, many argue that a
slight change in the alignment will benefit the public as it would mean
less number of evictees.
Rangadasaprabhu, president, Ernakulam
District Residents Association Apex Council (EDRAAC) said there is
nothing wrong in changing the alignment from 22 mts to 18 or 20 mts.
“If
the authorities insist on 22 mts, the possibility of an ROB will remain
a distant dream. Besides, many would be pulled out of their dwellings.
Hence, it is highly recommendable if the authorities come up with a new
alignment,” he said.
Rangadasa Prabhu said that to avail of the
Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) funds, the
authorities would have to submit a revised version. “It is learnt that
the project would not get JNNRUM funding if the existing design of the
bridge is altered. Hence, the best alternative is to submit a revised
design,” he said.
The Kerala Latin Catholic Association (KLCA) has
said that though they are not dead against an ROB with 22 mts, they
feel a bridge with a lesser width is also favoured. “There are ROBs
built in the city recently. But, none of them have the 22 mts. So, why
the authorities are clamouring for a bridge with 22 mts,” asks Sebastian
Valiyaparambil, general secretary, KLCA. However, Residents’ Apex
Council of Ernakulam (RACE) said they were sticking to the 22 mts width.
“We do not need a point less or more than the proposed 22 mts. If it is
below 22 mts, it would become a single lane and that would not help in
easing the traffic woes. The purpose will be defeated. Similarly, if it
goes above 22 mts, it would affect many buildings,” he said.
Town
Planning Committee chairman K J Sohan said a policy matter regarding the
width of the ROB has to be taken. More details can be divulged only
after the decision, he said.
