The New Indian Express 18.06.2010
Four-lane dreams sprout wings at Karanakodam
KOCHI: Prospects for a four lane bridge at Karanakodam on the Thammanam- Pullepady stretch have brightened with the Kochi Corporation deciding to sign a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI) in this regard. The MoU will be signed on Friday afternoon at the Corporation Council Hall.“A committee consisting of the Mayor, the Deputy Mayor, Secretary, Town Planning Officer and Project Engineer has studied in detail the proposal put forth by the KCCI,” said Mayor Mercy Williams.
The KCCI has already expressed its interest for the construction of a new four-lane bridge at Karanakodam instead of the existing bridge which is in a bad condition. The cost of the project is estimated at Rs 1.5 crore by the KCCI.
“The KCCI will be allowed to construct arches at both the ends of the bridge for displaying its name,” said the Mayor.
KCCI chairman K M Abdullah said that it is yet another peoplefriendly initiative taken up by the Chamber. “The existing bridge will be retained till the completion of the new bridge,” he said. The Mayor said that the construction of the new bridge will help reduce traffic congestion in the Thammanam- Pullepady corridor.
Regarding the toll collection on the newly-opened Pullepady Rail Overbridge, the Mayor said that the civic administrators will hold a meeting with the Public Works Department Minister. The Corporation Council that met the other day had raised its objection against toll collection.
“The Council is not against toll collection. But before collecting toll the work on the approach roads has to be completed or else the public will not benefit out of the bridge.
The Council has decided to consult the authorities to stop toll collection till the completion of the approach roads,” Mercy Williams said.
