Kerala - Kochi   

GCDA for impact assessment study

KOCHI: The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is planning to carry out an Environment Impact Assessment (EIA) for the first phase of the proposed ring road from Chathiath to Varapuzha even as the Goshree Islands Development Authority (GIDA) is going ahead with the tendering of its road through the islands.

The GCDA has proposed the 65-km ring road as a lasting solution to the congestion in city roads.

During the first phase, the 10-km stretch from Chathiath to Varapuzha is being considered. This will link Marine Drive to National Highway-17, providing an easy way out of the city for north-bound commuters.

While the GCDA is held up by procedural delays, a discussion was held between both the agencies to coordinate the work. “It was decided that both the agencies will share the cost and build the Chennur - Kothad Bridge, which will link both the roads,” said District Collector A.P.M. Mohammed Hanish, who is also the chairman of GIDA.

Mr. Hanish, along with GCDA chairperson M.C. Josephine made a site inspection of the bridge two weeks ago. “This bridge will link Chennur Island to the main land as city buses would go up to Chennur,” said Mr. Hanish.

While the main aim of developing the ring road is to take the load off arterial roads, the GIDA road is being planned with the development of the Goshree Islands in mind.

However, given the speed at which the project is being processed at the GCDA, it will take some time before it progresses to the actual implementation phase.

The authority is yet to shortlist the body which is to carry out the EIA. The National Institute of Oceanography, KITCO and the Cochin University of Science and Technology are being considered. Also, the GCDA was asked to work on the proposed alignment for the ring road. The authority was asked to go in for a change in alignment to include the new bridge. But chances are that the original alignment will be followed as it will require fewer number of land acquisitions and evacuations, said a GCDA official. The GCDA is also awaiting administrative sanction from the State government to invite tenders for relaying of Kaloor - Kadavantra road, estimated to cost around Rs.1.7 crore. The work will commence soon after administrative sanction is obtained, said GCDA secretary Johney Sebastian.

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