KOCHI: The widening and rebuilding of the Vyttila – Petta road is progressing fast along with the construction of utility ducts and other facilities. The Kochi Metro authorities can start the construction of Metro beyond Kunnara park in Vytila only after the widening is completed.
Buildings from Thykoodam to Chambakkara bridge have been demolished and the plots are being levelled after construction of drains and utility ducts. Small shops, houses, a clinic, a portion of a petrol pump owned by Reliance and the wall of a residential apartment were demolished for road widening. At Petta, the plots of a few shops and a school have been acquired and demolition works are on. The total land to be acquired for widening the road is 410 cents.
The widening is being undertaken in compliance with the highest technical specifications stipulated by the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
However, reconstruction of the Chambakkara bridge and acquisition of shops near the church at Chambakkara are yet to begin.
The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation will be designing the new bridge. “Discussions are going on and a final decision on the design is yet to be taken,” sources said.
The contractor agency has to complete the ground levelling, utility construction and other basic works before the onset of monsoon. If the preparatory works are not finished, the area will be flooded.
The Kochi Metro Rail Limited has taken a loan of Rs 104 crore from the Ernakulam District Cooperative Bank for widening the narrow stretch. Meanwhile, the stretch has become a danger spot for motorists and pedestrians with trenches, barricades and construction materials piled up along the roadsides.
