Among the list, one project crucial to the development of the city is the much discussed Ring Road. At an estimated cost of Rs 184.8 crore, the GCDA is planning to complete the work in four phases. In the first phase, the 10 km stretch from Chathiath to Varappuzha will be completed.

The second phase will cover the 16 km stretch from National Highway (NH) 17 to Athani. The third phase will connect NH-47 to Puthenkruz and the last phase will see the road getting connected to Madavana from Puthenkruz.

GCDA chairperson M C Josephine said that they would consider the possibility of including the project under Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) scheme for its fast implementation.

The other projects that were sanctioned last week include a multilevel parking facility and a shopping mall of international standards at Manappattiparambu, Kaloor.

Angamaly Neighbourhood Centre is another project that was sanctioned.

“For the Angamaly Neighbourhood scheme, the GCDA is planning to acquire 40 acres of land where a residential and commercial centre will come up. In future it will serve as a satellite township,” Josephine added.

Another project that was cleared is the construction of a shopping complex at the KINCO Jetty, Marine drive. The concept is to build a commercial centre in the area. The eight storeyed building will accommodate petty vendors on the first floor, while other floors will be rented out for official and commercial purposes.

Former GCDA chairman Antony Isaac said that almost all the projects that were sanctioned this year were proposed five years ago.

“Most of the projects were suggested years ago. The authorities had earmarked these projects in the annual budgets for many years, but could not initiate the work without the State Government’s approval,” Antony said.

The survey work for the Ring Road project was completed in 2005 itself.

At that time the GCDA was asked to conduct two types of technical survey.

It will be a great benefit to Kochiites if the Ring Road becomes a reality soon. The project will reduce travel time from Ernakulam to Paravur to 15 minutes.

“What the GCDA can do now is to go further with the tender proceedings and land acquisition measures.

A public private participation (PPP) model will be apt for these projects.

If you are depending only on governmental aid, chances are high for a delay because of red tapism. And the progress of the project will be affected whenever there is a change in government,’’ Antony Isaac said.