North – South railway station corridor soon

June 21, 2013

By Princy Alexander | ENS – KOCHI

The Kochi Corporation’s proposal for a corridor connecting the South railway station and North Town Station in the city is likely to see the light of day, with the Mayor proposing to submit the project details to the state government soon.

Mayor Tony Chammany said that the proposal could be incorporated in the metro rail preparatory works. The much-discussed plan has been included in this year’s Corporation budget. “If we are able to construct a road connecting the North station and the South railway station via the road adjacent to the Ambedkar stadium, it will help decongest the city traffic. Vehicles can be diverted through the North railway station towards the South railway station premises and enter MG Road. We are placing the project proposal with an estimate of Rs 8 crore before the government,” the Mayor said.

The Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry( KCCI) chairman K N Marzook, said that land acquisition may be a hurdle for the implementation of the project. However, if it becomes a reality, it will be a major boon for Kochiites. “There is already an existing road connecting both the North and South Railway stations. The GCDA has agreed to give the land for the project. Widening of the road would require land acquisition,” Marzook said.

However, GCDA Chairman N Venugopal slammed the project, saying that it was not practical. “A large number of families will have to be evicted in the area. The Corporation is yet to rehabilitate the Moolampally Canal evictees. How do they plan to accommodate so many families if the project is to be made a reality,” Venugopal said.

Source-http://newindianexpress.com