Kochi: Despite the tall claims of the Greater Cochin Development Authority, the relaying of the damaged Kaloor – Kathrikadavu road still remains on paper. Though the GCDA chairman had promised to complete the repair, which was delayed for several months, by March-end, it did not happen. The issue was recently taken up with the district collector by the Corporation development standing committee chairperson Gracy Joseph during the District Development Committee meeting.
Earlier, the GCDA had handed over the road to the Kerala Water Authority to replace the old pipelines. Though the KWA returned the road to the development authority after completing the works three months ago, the restoration works have not yet begun. “During the meeting, the district collector asked the PWD authorities to check the status of road restoration works with the GCDA and to submit a report soon. With monsoon a couple of weeks away, the GCDA should take immediate measures to restore the road. The Authority chairman has promised to finish the works by March-end. The Corporation will be forced to take up the issue with the higher authorities if the development authority continues its apathetic approach,” said Gracy Joseph.
Meanwhile, a section of residents and traders along the road have demanded that the Corporation take over the road from the GCDA with immediate effect. “The road, a major parallel road that enters and exits the city, will become a channel of slush when the monsoon begins. The dangerous stretch from Kaloor junction to Kathrikadavu bridge is not only unsafe for motorists but also for pedestrians. It is a trapeze act to walk along the damaged side of the road,” said Sujith Kumar, a local resident.
