KOCHI: The State Election Commission’s intransigent approach has put a roadblock to the Greater Cochin Development Authority’s proposal to repair the badly damaged Kaloor – Kathrikadavu road. The road is in very poor condition after it was trenched for laying pipelines of the Kerala Water Authority.
Though the GCDA completed the tendering process before the announcement of the Assembly polls, the EC strictly told the Authority not to award the work order.
“In view of the enforcement of the poll code of conduct after the announcement of elections, we had submitted a letter to the Commission seeking approval for awarding the work order to the contractor. However, our plea was rejected and the EC asked that work be started only after the elections on May 16.
Unfortunately, many of the decisions taken by the Commission this time were against the interests of the people,” said GCDA chairman N Venugopal. The GCDA’s plan was to start restoration of the road soon after the KWA works were over for which it had initiated tendering well in advance.
“If the works are not carried out now, it will be delayed for more than six months as monsoon rains will begin once the elections are over. The road which is already in a dilapidated condition will become un-motorable during the rains,” added the GCDA chairman.
The Authority recently re-laid the Kadavanthra – Kathrikadavu stretch of the Kaloor – Kadavanthra Road and was waiting for the completion of the KWA’s works to finish the remaining stretch up to Kaloor. The road is a major alternative route to enter and exit the city and is used by thousands of regular commuters.
Long distance KSRTC buses also use the stretch to reach the Ernakulam depot. Traders along the road are all set to launch a strong protest demanding immediate steps to restore the stretch.
