The New Indian Express 25.08.2010
Master plan gets LSG Dept nod
KOCHI: In a boost to its agenda to give a new look to the city through better suburban rail, water, roads and other facilities, the Kochi Corporation has received the approval for its master plan from the Local Self-Government Department.The draft plan, incorporating the best available solutions, will take the city to the level of other popular cities in the country.
“The master plan will suggest proposals that will give an extra thrust to the overall development of the city’s transport and infrastructure,” Deputy Mayor C K Manisankar said.
He said the master plan had got the nod from the Chief Town Planning Office and would be presented before the council soon.
“The master plan will cover various transport and infrastructure development projects for the city. These suggestions were put forward by the various consultancies that conducted the studies,” he said.
Manisankar said the master plan had incorporated various means of transport, including bus, suburban rail, inland water transport, metro rail and short-distance mini buses, under the urban transportation development.
The infrastructure development projects include the construction of various rail over bridges (RoBs), flyovers and new roads. “The widening of the existing roads will also be included in the master plan,” the Deputy Mayor said.
The master plan will also focus on the finances and city investment plan, the improvement of basic services to the poor, and effective solid waste management. It will also cover areas that need special focus such as heritage and tourism, urban renewal and social amenities, environment, sewerage and water supply.
“Another objective of the master plan is to identify the growth trends and increase the mobility of the city by considering its various dimensions with an attempt to retain all its characteristics,” he added.
