As far as a growing city like Kochi is concerned, the implementation of JNNURM projects faces several infrastructure constraints. Weak and outdated urban planning system is the major constraint. “Several infrastructure development projects are on the cards under JNNURM and other schemes for the city. But before implementing these projects, finding solutions to the existing problems of the city is vital,” said C Raju who was the chief engineer of Konkan Railway and general manager of RITES. He said that among the issues faced by Kochiites, the poor state of the city roads is of primary concern.

As per a recent study report submitted by the National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (NATPAC), 86.1 percent of the city roads in Kochi have carriage way width, less than what is required for two-lane traffic.

A compilation of reports based on studies conducted by various departments, including the City Mobility Plan (CMP) of Kerala Sustainable Urban development Project (KSUDP), Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) and the Traffic and Transportation study done by RITES have pointed out some of the major constraints that the city is facing.

Road drains

The average elevation of Kochi city from mean sea level is only 30 cm. Hence high tidal level influences the flow of drains in many areas. The roadside drains are choked due to dumping of plastic and other solid waste from commercial and dwelling units. During rainy season, water is not drained properly and it flows back to the carriage-way, damaging the road easily.

Non-standard junctions

The junctions on the city roads are not properly designed for peak hour traffic. The junctions do not have proper sign boards or road markings. Lack of proper pedestrian crossing facilities lead to a mixing up of pedestrian and vehicle crossing, resulting in the queuing up of vehicles in busy junctions.

Lack of proper water transport systems

In Kochi about 30 percent of the watershed area has been utilised for water transport for a longer period. About 80,000 passengers per day are utilising these services. But a modernisation proposal of this transport has not been taken so far. The present problem with the water transport system is its irregular functioning and untimely and slow running of vessels.

Land acquisition

As per the Land acquisition Act, only  administrative sanction from the implementing department was required. But now the government insists on having another administrative sanction from the revenue department also. This further increases the delay in land acquisition activities needed for the urban infrastructure.

Traffic congestion

The existing chaotic traffic condition where everyone is for himself has to be changed and road discipline enforced. Participative campaigns to build awareness and respect for traffic rules have to be ongoing. Enforcement machinery for traffic regulations has to be modernised and professionally managed with electronic surveillance. This will minimise the accident rate.

Management is an area in which the city has a very weak track record. Hence, from the beginning itself a special purpose vehicle (SPV) with professional management system, has to be put in place. The formation of a Unified metropolitan Transport Authority (UMTA) for the city will also help.

The suggestions and recommendations made by a committee on the basis of these studies, had already submitted its report to the State Government. The Finance Minister recently said that the short, medium and long-term solutions suggested by the Committee, headed by Road and Bridges Development Corporation managing director T K Jose,  would be executed on a war footing by KRFB. If implemented fully, it is enough to revamp the existing infrastructure of the city.