The Business line 30.04.2013
CM inaugurates Kochi bridge
The Chief Minister was speaking after inaugurating the newly-constructed Kettuvallam Bridge and walkway constructed by the Greater Cochin Development Authority at Marine Drive here.
He highlighted the need for developing infrastructure in commensurate with the city’s growth. The State government has already taken preliminary steps to start Kochi-Kasaragod high-speed corridor and construction of a new flyover at Edappally.
Three more flyovers are also being planned along with the work of Kochi Metro Rail, he said.
Referring to the growing potable water shortage in the city, he said the State government has plans to launch a State-wide programme within a year. The Rs 750-crore Japan Drinking Water Project, specially designed for Kochi, is expected to solve the water crisis to an extent, he said.
Minister for Urban Affairs Manjalamkuzhi Ali said that by 2030, the Kochi agglomeration area is expected to be expanded with the addition of more areas from neighbouring districts, including Thrissur and Alappuzha. More novel projects should be developed to make the open spaces more attractive, he said.
Excise Minister K. Babu said the State tovernment should take steps to form the Kochi Metropolitan Authority soon, which would help the city attain the status of a metro city.
The 700-metre-long, 12-metre-wide walkway and the ‘Kettuvallam’-shaped bridge is part of Marine Drive beautification project.
