Kerala - Kochi

Kochi-based group plans development projects

KOCHI: Better Kochi Response Group, a newly-formed organisation of architects, engineers and other professionals, has decided to take up several development projects in the city. These include the South overbridge modification, pedestrian crossing system with elevated skywalk and setting up of biogas plants, bus shelters and public toilets.

Addressing a press conference, the organisation’s president and architect S. Gopakumar said the main objective of the group is to act as a catalyst in the development activities. The projects are to be executed in the public-private participation mode.

The South overbridge modification involves facilitation for four-lane traffic. It envisages extension of the footpaths towards the centre for the movement of two and three wheelers. The central lanes which are now 7.4 metres wide, will be reduced to 6.3 metres for the up and down four-wheeler traffic. The modification necessitates a pedestrian foot overbridge over the railway lines connecting the lower roads on the sides of the bridge. The modification does not require widening of the bridge and also will not affect the present metro rail project. The project has been submitted to the Kochi Corporation. The association is in touch with railway authorities to get necessary support.

Another major project is the pedestrian crossing on Shanmugham road as an elevated skywalk with escalators. Under the solid waste management project, biogas plants will be given to individuals on subsidised rates. Pay and use toilets will be constructed at locations suggested by the corporation. The association’s vice-president E. Kurien Mathew and secretary S.R. Nair were among those present.

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