KOCHI: The Kalamassery municipal authorities have asked Metro Rail agencies to restore facilities like drainages, roads and footpaths which were damaged during the Metro construction works. The civic authorities alleged that the apathetic attitude of metro authorities in removing construction debris from the roadsides, clearing clogged drains would result in water-logging during the monsoon. Though two municipal councillors threatened to block movement of vehicles to HMT casting yard in protest against the delay in repairing the road leading up to the yard, the protest was called off as Metro works at the yard has already been completed.
Meanwhile, during the joint inspection of sites by the engineers of Kochi Metro Rail Limited, Delhi Metro Rail Corporation and municipal authorities, it has been agreed to carry out restoration works at the earliest. “If the Metro agencies fail to carry out the repairing works, the municipality will be forced to launch a strong protest and further course of action will be decided later,” said Jessy Peter, municipal chairperson. Metro officials have agreed to restore the traffic signal at Kalamassery Premier Junction in a fortnight.
But, the civic body’s demand to install street lights along the Premier and Muttom Bridge stretch will be addressed in 20 days. “They have sought 30 days to address the other demands raised by the municipality, including the restoration of drains and footpaths,” added Jessy Peter. There are widespread complaints against the poor state of drains and footpaths and the piled up debris along roadsides. The other demands by the civic body are elevating the culvert on the national highway at Pathadipalam and removal of construction debris dumped into the Edappally Canal.
