Kochi: A high-level meeting of stake-holders of Kochi Smart City Mission Limited (SMCL) here on Wednesday finalised the road map for renovation of Ernakulam market, a project of Kochi corporation being implemented under the mission.
As per the Rs 100 crore project plan, the market would be redeveloped into a ground plus two-storey building, with a basement parking and a multi-level car parking. All the licensed existing traders will be given space on the ground and first floor. The second floor and remaining area can be utilised to recover the maintenance expense of the building. The floor spaces can be rented out to commercial establishments. The project includes dedicated truck bays also.
The construction of the modern market complex will begin by December 1 and will be completed in 18 months after the tender process, it was decided.
The proposal for a skywalk connecting the new market complex and the Shanmugham road is also included in the plan.
The traders at the market will be shifted during the construction work to the abandoned Islamic School near market road. Temporary rehabilitation of traders had posed a major challenge to the renovation project. Though the traders agreed to the proposal for temporary shifting, they sought basic infrastructure facilities.
Hibi Eden, MP, who convened the meeting, said an agreement has to be signed between the corporation and the licensed traders to ensure smooth implementation of the project. He also stressed the need to form a monitoring committee to review the progress of the work.
Mayor Soumini Jain said that the wayside vendors should also get space at the new complex. The project should not hamper the recent renovation carried out by the corporation with the support of traders at Broadway, she added.
The meeting also suggested a plan to facilitate safe pedestrian movement and smooth traffic flow.
CSML managing director A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, district collector S. Suhas, deputy police commissioner G. Poonguzhali, GCDA chairman V. Saleem, councillors and traders attended the meeting.
