A boost to infrastructure

KOCHI: Though the Metro Rail Project is yet to get the Centre’s nod, the launching of the related projects gives a boost to infrastructure development of the city. Some key projects like widening of North overbridge, if executed, will help ease traffic congestion in the city.The key Metro-related projects include the construction of rail overbridge (ROB) at Salim Rajan Road and widening of North overbridge, South ROB, MG Road and Banerjee Road. The construction of ROB at Salim Rajan Road has already begun and the renovation work of the North overbridge is expected to begin soon. If the authorities succeed in completing the widening of Thammanam-Pulleppady road in a time-bound banner, the traffic chaos expected after the demolition of the North overbridge can be cleared to a certain extent.Among the other Metro rail-related projects, the biggest hurdle confronting the authorities is land acquisition. Land acquisition is also a reason for the delay in  implementation of  major infrastructure projects in the city, said sources. Apart from the construction of North and South overbridges in the 70s, no other major project was implemented in the city. In a city like Kochi, it will not be easy to carry out widening of roads since the price of land is skyrocketing.That is one of the major reasons why the city is still choked by traffic blocks.