CAccording to DMRC officials, the vacant land below the bridge has
been raised by interlocking tiles. “There is sufficient area under the
bridge to park 20 vehicles at least. People who come to the railway
station, town hall or nearby areas can park their vehicles there,” DMRC
officials said.

At the moment, only the area near the town hall
has been developed for the purpose. Once the metro viaduct works are
completed at the Lisie Hospital section, the DMRC will expand the area
and develop it for parking space.

“The area near the Lisie end
won’t be as large as the existing space. However, it also can
accommodate at least another 15 vehicles. We have envisaged a plan
exclusively for parking in the area,” the DMRC officials said. DMRC
principal adviser E Sreedharan said the area will be either handed over
to the Kochi Corporation or any corporate agency for maintenance.

Officials
added that it was mandatory for the Kochi Corporation or any other
implementing agency to charge fees from the vehicle owners. “Otherwise
flouting of rules as well as anti-social activities might become rampant
in the area,” they said.

Kochi Corporation Mayor Tony Chammany said if the DMRC seeks their help in the matter, they will utilise the space for parking.

“Parking
is the responsibility of the Corporation and we will undertake steps in
this regard if we are given the charge. Let the DMRC approach us,” he
said.