KOCHI: The dismantling of the two-wheeler and three-wheeler bays of the North rail overbridge (RoB) in connection with the widening of the bridge began on Sunday. Initially, the bay located on the left side (from Kaloor) of the RoB will be dismantled. The reconstruction of the North RoB is being done as part of the proposed Metro Rail project. Though experts had raised apprehension over the timely completion of the work, the authorities are of the opinion that the work will be completed within the stipulated time. “Initially, we will dismantle one motor bay, which will be reconstructed into a two-lane track which will be opened for heavy vehicles. Once it is completed, the second motor bay will be dismantled,” said Kochi Metro Rail Ltd Managing Director Tom Jose.“After remodeling both the motor bays to two-lane tracks, the main bridge will be demolished,” he said. “Two additional lanes will be added to the main bridge. We hope to complete the work within 14 months,” he said. As per the original plan, the `80-crore project is expected to be completed within 18 months. This is the second major Metro Rail-related project to be kick-started this year, the first being the construction of the RoB connecting Rajaji Road and Salim Rajan Road. Regarding the rehabilitation of the vendors under the bridge, Jose said they hoped that the corporation would soon find a solution to the issue. “The Mayor told me that he would soon hold discussions with the vendors in this regard. As per the plan, the vendors will be provided space below the Pulleppady RoB owned by the Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation,” he added.When asked about the remarks made by Metro Rail project director P Sriram that the Kochi Corporation’s inefficiency in evacuating and rehabilitating the vendors had delayed the Metro Rail project, Jose said there was no such lack of coordination between them and the civic body. “As an elected body, the corporation may have its own restrictions. We are working in close cooperation with them and have undertake the repair work of some of the major roads through which the traffic will be diverted once the bridge is dismantled. We hope that the corporation will consider this as a common objective and will continue extending its support to us,” Jose said.
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