GCDA blames KSRTC for road widening delay

November 25, 2013

TNN

KOCHI: Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) has blamed Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) for the delay in widening the road connecting CP Ummer Road to the bus depot and A L Jacob railway overbridge (ROB). Three months ago, the development authority had approached the transport corporation and then submitted a request to take up road widening works.

“To begin work, GCDA requires a written request from the managing director of KSRTC or its senior engineer. Despite repeated requests, the transport corporation has ignored our request,” said GCDA chairman N Venugopal. Though Kochi corporation opened the newly-constructed A L Jacob ROB to reduce traffic congestion, the narrow approach road at the entry point of the bus depot has worsened the situation.

 For a smooth traffic through the overbridge, GCDA wanted to widen the existing road linking bus depot and C P Ummer Road to 20 metre. “It means the width will be increased by 8 metre and there would be four lanes to route vehicles,” he said.

On completing a seven-metre wide two-lane road envisaged around the Ambedkar stadium, a new link can be provided to CP Ummer Road and the KSRTC bus depot. This will facilitate the introduction of a one-way system and state transport buses state coming from Rajaji Road can go around the stadium and enter the depot. And buses leaving the depot can use the other road near the approach road of the ROB.

Agency may revoke contract

In another development, GCDA said that the contractor, entrusted with the responsibility of maintaining the old stretch of Marine Drive walkway, has failed to execute his duties.

The authority had signed a five-year contract with the private contractor.

“It has been brought to the authority’s attention that the benches remain broken and lights are not functioning properly. Such activities mount to the violation of contract and GCDA is keen on terminating it,” said the chairman. He added that the income from advertisements placed at the walkway went to the contractor.

The authority will hold further discussions with the officials and the contractor and announce a final decision .

Source-http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com

NHAI, GCDA in feet-dragging mode

November 7, 2013

TNN

KOCHI: Though the rains have come down, the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) have continued to renege on their promise to repair the highway on the Vyttila-Aroor stretch and the Kaloor-Kadavanthra road.

While the NHAI is awaiting the approval from their headquarters to start the tender process for carrying out the road milling work on the Aroor-Kumbalam bridge, the GCDA has not yet solved its dispute with contractor over the road repair work.

 The Aroor-Kumbalam bridge was closed after its surface was riddled with potholes which posed a threat to motorists. After inspecting the bridge, experts from IIT Madras had suggested breaking up the entire tarred surface of the bridge. Following this, the highway authority had come up with a plan to remove asphalt and concrete the stretch.

“We need the approval from headquarters to proceed with the milling work,” said NHAI project director C T Abraham. It has been pointed out that the regular repair and pothole filling work would be of no use in the present condition.

Meanwhile, NHAI authorities stated that except for the repair work on the bridge, they have completed the tendering process on other damaged stretches and works were being executed.

The highway authority said that they would complete them at the earliest.

GCDA officials said that the body had sought legal opinion to sort out disputes with the contractor. Though the Kaloor-Kadavanthra road was built with a five-year guarantee, the contractor has refused to repair the damaged portions saying that the agreement between him and the authority did not have a clause for executing such works.

“The GCDA will check whether the authority can take up the work independently. A decision in this regard will be announced in a week,” said GCDA chairman N Venugopal.

Brushing aside allegations that the damages on Kathrikadvu overbridge (ROB) have resulted in traffic congestion on the route, he said, “The opening of A L Jacob ROB and the diversion of traffic through the Thammanam-Pulleppady road have increased the movement of vehicles through Kaloor-Kathrikadavu road.”

Source-http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com