Metro RailKOCHI: It was in 2011 that one of the long-cherished dreams of Kochi, the Metro Rail, got wings. Though the project is yet to get the central nod, two Metro Rail-related projects were kick started in 2011. The re-construction of the North Rail Overbridge (RoB) and the construction of a new RoB connecting Salim Rajan Road with Rajaji Road are progressing at a rapid pace.The North RoB is expected to be reconstructed within 18 months. Initially, both the motor bays of the bridge will be re-modeled into four lane roads. Likewise, the new RoB near KSRTC garage is also expected to be completed within 18 months time. Meanwhile, Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL) authorities are the project to get the sanction from the Union Government by January.Brahmapuram PlantThe plant is a nightmare as well as the hope of Kochi. With the existing plant becoming defunct, the Corporation is planning to construct a new facility for the treatment of waste. The state government has given the nod for setting up the plant and Expression of Interest (EoI) for the same is expected to be floated next year. But, till the construction of the new plant, the treatment of waste that gets accumulated at the existing plant will add to the worries of the civic body. The Corporation is also planning to rectify the existing plant on a temporary basis.WaterwaysThe Kochi Corporation is planning to set up a public limited company to make good use of waterways in the city. Once floated, the company will focus on the purchase of new boats, construction of new boat jetties, renovation of existing ones and exploration of new waterways. All these will help the corporation in exploring the waterways in a better manner. The officials have already prepared the ‘articles of association’ and other details of the company are expected to be presented at the corporation council soon for approval.Roads and Traffic CongestionThe city is intrinsically connected by small roads which get congested by the continuously rising traffic. In addition, most of these roads are in bad condition. If this continues, the city will lose the grip on traffic control soon. The M G Road stretch, which is considered to be the lifeline of Kochi, has become congested with encroachments. The city needs wider and timely maintained roads. Due to increase in the traffic, the narrow roads are finding it hard to accommodate all the vehicles and are left blocked most of the times. Though a host of proposals, including development of a ring road, were proposed to solve traffic congestion in the city, none of them could see the light of the day. They remain on papers. However, Kochi is hoping that the Metro Rail Limited project will provide some respite to daily commuters in the city.Sewage and WasteSewage treatment is another big issue faced by the city. As multi-storeyed, high-rise buildings have started mushrooming everywhere, the management of waste and sewage from them is posing a public problem and is going to worsen in the coming days. Despite High Court’s intervention, the Kochi Corporation and district authorities have failed miserably in the treatment of waste.
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