Though the final decision on the reconstruction of South Rail
Overbridge (ROB) is yet to be taken, the huge cost for land acquisition
and construction is likely to be a major hurdle for the key projects
that will boost the infrastructure facilities of the city. At the
meeting convened by Kochi Mayor Tony Chammany the other day, Managing
Director, Kochi Metro Rail Ltd, Elias George said that a total of `100
crore is required for widening the South ROB. With the KMRL already
completing the funding procedures for Kochi Metro and related projects,
the state government will have to allot additional funds for the ROB
reconstruction. The project is not included in the list of Kochi Metro
Rail-related projects and now it will have to be included in the next
next annual Budget. If the budget allocation is made, the project can
commence by next year. But it will take nearly 18 months to complete if
it is carried out by an agency like Delhi Metro Rail Corporation. With
the DMRC making it clear that its first priority is to keep the Kochi
Metro Rail deadline, whether they will undertake the project or not is a
question. The DMRC will have to complete the work of the Edappally
Flyover too,” experts said.

 They said it would become difficult
to widen the bridge once the Metro rail line is built through its
northern side. As per the alignment, the pillars of the Metro Rail will
pass by the side of South RoB, unlike at the North bridge where they
pass through the  centre. Besides, it will not be easy for the
authorities to reconstruct the South ROB as the number of high-rises
around it exceed that of Ernakulam North ROB.

 The Kochi
Corporation will also have to seek financial support from the state for
other major infrastructure projects such as the widening of
Vyttila-Tripunithura Petta road for which procedures for land
acquisition have begun. A total of Rs 120 crore is required for the
widening of the Vyttila-Petta Road while another `30 crore is needed for
its construction.

Another road that needs to be developed is the
Thammanam-Pulleppady Road, the widening of which requires Rs 15 crore
while Rs 390 crore is needed for land acquisition.

However, the
Kochi Corporation authorities have decided to seek the help of the state
government. Mayor Tony Chammany said that the suggestions and
recommendations made at the meeting will be submitted before the
government soon.