Kochi | Roads, Bridges, Flyovers & Highways [Archive]

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 01:08 PM

Good initiative MI:)

BTW, just came across this thread.

http://www.skyscrapercity.com/showthread.php?t=1389482

When can we see something like this in Kochi or Kerala? Our politicians and town planners can't even think of 4 lane flyovers or overbridges. Even newly constructed rail overbridges(Edapally & Pullepady) are just 2 lanes. We should show them these pictures and tell them that this is happening in India and not in some cash rich Arabian country.

Its nice to see such developments. But sadly such initatives may not happen anywhere in Kerala, for that matter

1. Population is a major issue. Unlike Hyderabad, we have a huge population density, spreadly equally almost Kerala, hence such wide roads may not a reality

2. One major problem we face in Kerala, lack of visionary quality leader. Every leader visionized just 5 year period and mostly constituency vision. Hence long term projects gets suffered. Perhaps OC may bring a refreshing change

3. One problem in Kerala, any outer-ring roads, will not remain mere outer roads... Very soon, cities expand and they became an internal road. Perhaps Seaport-Airport road if properly developed, can turn itself as an outer ring road, as it connects to Container road and a backwater bridge from Aroor to Amballur side, will soon help byepass the core city in a long run.

4. Both Edappally, Pulleppady were concevied in early 1990s, when the vision was just 2 lane. The delays only made it still uncompleted even today. Yet that vision remains. A bridge/ROB of today, will definitely be a 4 lane, say Salim Rajan Flyover. But this vision is only limited for another 4 to 5 years. After this, we may require a 6 lane road. Unfortunately we don't have people who really dreams!!!

manukarukail

August 2nd, 2011, 01:43 PM

Its nice to see such developments.
4. Both Edappally, Pulleppady were concevied in early 1990s, when the vision was just 2 lane. The delays only made it still uncompleted even today. Yet that vision remains. A bridge/ROB of today, will definitely be a 4 lane, say Salim Rajan Flyover. But this vision is only limited for another 4 to 5 years. After this, we may require a 6 lane road. Unfortunately we don't have people who really dreams!!!

AFAIK Salim Rajan Flyover is going to be 2 lane. Correct me if I am wrong.

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 02:02 PM

AFAIK Salim Rajan Flyover is going to be 2 lane. Correct me if I am wrong.

I heard that its going to be 4 lane... Correct me if I am wrong.....If so, it shows the poor vision of our leaders

DileepKS

August 2nd, 2011, 02:06 PM

AFAIK, Salim Rajan is 2 lane.

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 02:11 PM

AFAIK, Salim Rajan is 2 lane.

:bash::bash::bash: Thats really bad!!!! As Manu said, when they are going to realize it?

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 02:35 PM

സീപോര്*ട്ട് -എയര്*പോര്*ട്ട് റോഡിലെ വളവ് നിവര്*ത്താന്* നടപടിയായി. റോഡിന്റെ വടക്ക്*വശത്ത് പൂജാരി വളവാണ് നിവര്*ത്തുക. മുന്* സര്*ക്കാറിന്റെ കാലത്ത് പ്രാഥമികനടപടി ആരംഭിച്ചെങ്കിലും പിന്നീട് മുടങ്ങുകയായിരുന്നു. വളവ് നിവര്*ത്താന്* സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുക്കുന്നതിന് റികലക്ടര്*ക്കും ലാന്*ഡ് അക്വിസിഷന്* സ്*പെഷല്* തഹസില്*ദാര്* വിഭാഗത്തിനും ലഭിച്ചതായി അധികൃതര്* പറഞ്ഞു. സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുക്കുന്ന നടപടി ഉടന്* ആരംഭിക്കുമെന്ന് കലക്ടര്* പി.ഐ. ഷെയ്ഖ് പരീത് പറഞ്ഞു.

ഏറ്റെടുക്കുന്ന സ്ഥലത്തിന്റെ സര്*വേ റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് പ്രസിദ്ധീകരിച്ചിട്ടിട്ടുണ്ട്. 0.3515 ഹെക്ടര്* (35 ആര്*) സ്ഥലമാണ് ് ഏറ്റെടുക്കുന്നത്. ഏറ്റെടുക്കുന്നതിന് റവന്യൂവകുപ്പിന്റെ അനുവാദം കൂടി വാങ്ങണം. ഇത് ഉടന്* ലഭിക്കും.സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുക്കാനുള്ള തുക റോഡ്*സ് ആന്*ഡ് ബ്രിഡ്ജസ് ഡെവലപ്*മെന്റ് കോര്*പറേഷനാണ് നല്*കുന്നത്. സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുത്ത് എല്*.എ വിഭാഗം നിര്*മാണം നടത്തുന്ന ആര്*.ബി.ഡി.സിക്ക് നല്*കും.

സ്ഥലം ഏറ്റെടുത്ത് നല്*കിയാലുടന്* വളവ് നിവര്*ത്താനുള്ള പണി നടത്തുമെന്ന് ആര്*.ബി.ഡി.സി അധികൃതര്* പറഞ്ഞു. ഫണ്ട് റോഡ്*സ് ആന്*ഡ്ബ്രിഡ്ജസ് കോര്*പറേഷന്റെ പക്കല്* ഉണ്ടെന്നും അധികൃതര്* പറഞ്ഞു

http://www.madhyamam.com/news/105344/110802

The district administration has completed the steps for rectifying the sharp curves at Seaport-Airport Road, at Poojari Curve in the northern side of SP/AP Road. The district collector will issue orders to Land Acquisition Special officer for acquiring 35 acres of land to rectify the sharp dangerous curve of the road, after the report is approved by Revenue Department. The compensation will be paid by RBCK as soon as it is in possession of the land. The RBCK also agreed to start the work as soon as they possess the land.

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 03:54 PM

Some pics of Kochi Highways

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5086/5316435648_09c3a648c4.jpg

NH 47 near Thycoodam Underpass

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5083/5315843021_fbe7fcc260.jpg

Panagad area of NH 47

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5005/5316436374_cc875c8d1a.jpg

Maradu area of NH 47

http://farm6.static.flickr.com/5250/5316436666_0c486f0a1c.jpg

Vytilla area of NH 47

Image courtesy : Dileep

http://img339.imageshack.us/img339/439/img2110m.jpg

Padivattom Junction in Palarivattom

http://img688.imageshack.us/img688/9713/img8390y.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/5848/img8394t.jpg

Angamally area of NH 47

http://img829.imageshack.us/img829/1814/img8399o.jpg

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/659/img8400z.jpg

http://img508.imageshack.us/img508/6686/img8404g.jpg

Angamally Flyover

http://img21.imageshack.us/img21/7334/img8401v.jpg

Angamally area of NH 47

Image courtesy:- Arun Sid

ajithv

August 2nd, 2011, 06:19 PM

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 06:35 PM

The first 4 pictures posted of mine is NOT even in Ernakulam District.It all in Thrissur District.So remove the first 4 pictures from the list.

I've no issues in using/quoting my pictures;but "DON"T MISUSE IT"..

Dear Ajith

I have written Image courtesy for each series of pictures below to the its original contributors with ^^^^ smile tag. The first few belongs to Arun Mathew, which was acknowledged at the end of its series and then your 4 pictures were shown with courtesy tag at the end.

I believe you didn't see it.... Anyways, A huge thanks for sharing these pics with us. Of-course there can't be any misuse of it, as you have watermarked it.

Thanks

ajithv

August 2nd, 2011, 06:44 PM

Hello,
Read carefully my comments.
The first 4 pictures posted of mine is NOT even in Ernakulam District.It all in Thrissur District.So remove the first 4 pictures from the list.

I've no issues in using/quoting my pictures;but "DON"T MISUSE IT"..
You have posted total 6 pictures of mine (see & count the watermarks) and what I told is;out of these six, 4 snaps are not of Ernakulam district.

Don't bluff...

Before it was a request...Now it is a WARNING.

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 06:59 PM

Hello,
Read carefully my comments.

You have posted total 6 pictures of mine (see & count the watermarks) and what I told is;out of these six, 4 snaps are not of Ernakulam district.

Don't bluff...

Before it was a request...Now it is a WARNING.

Is that Angamally area? The pics felt so..... If not its a mistake No Issue...

Then Warnings!!! Pls stop this attitude here.... I have removed all your pics at all..... Don't step into someone's shoes and take a grand stand.... Sorry for taking you pics..... Good bye

ajithv

August 2nd, 2011, 07:12 PM

induzcreed

August 2nd, 2011, 07:17 PM

Hello,Before it was a request...Now it is a WARNING.
:madwife::hilarious

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 07:19 PM

^^
Except the last two all are near Thrissur/Chalakkudy area.Thats why I told.

Yes.Not only me everybody have the right to warn if you misuse the watermarked snaps even after the request from the owner.Hope you got it.

You could have told it in proper manner, that the pics are in chalakudy or where-ever be it. Warnings etc are really sign of hostility which you wish to express always. Its was my mistake to take pics of a hostile person as I never maintain any enmity to any person.....

Anyway, forget it... I am not going to use your pics at all...

e_arunsid

August 2nd, 2011, 11:00 PM

mohammedirshad06

August 2nd, 2011, 11:24 PM

Even tho some of the pics are that of streches in thrissur district..It is still Kochi-Thrissur highway and Heavy traffic to Kochi is one the reason why we have a 4 lane highway there. No offence to Thrissur and its importance.

Metro limits often stretches outside official districts. For example, Aroor is part of Alleppey district. I hope no-one will consider Aroor outside Kochi Metro limits as its one of the essential components of Kochi City.

If the Kochi Masterplan gets approved by Govt of Kerala, it would more ridiculing for many, as even Irjnalakuda and Thodupuzha are designated to be Satellite hubs of Kochi.

In any sphere of life, places like Chalakuddy-Cherthala-Kodungallor are considered to be satellite hubs of the city. This thread is also meant to discuss Highways of Kochi too. And naturally the definition of Kochi goes even beyond official district boundaries, as Kochi is an urbansphere denoted by economic activities, while Ernakulam is just a portion of it.

Arun, as we all, Thrissur is twin city of Kochi. Since 11th century, both the cities existence depends of each other. Without Thrissur, there is no Kochi and without Kochi, there is no Thrissur. As someone said eariler, Kochi and Thrissur are same Rajyakarans annu....

e_arunsid

August 2nd, 2011, 11:39 PM

Agreed MI...Kochi and Thrissur one of main reasons why central kerala is the economic powerhouse of the state.

mohammedirshad06

August 3rd, 2011, 09:51 AM

Kerala CM announced weekly Cabinet decisions today, just a few minutes back

The important decision is that Thammam-Pullepady Road widening project is asked to start immediately. The Cabinet approved CM's proposal of allocating Rs 25 crore for compensation and initial expenses. The road widening is very important, as it will be the major road for diverting traffic after North ROB gets closed for Metro alignment

The long demand for Mulavakkad road got approved and district administration is asked to start the works immediately.

mohammedirshad06

August 3rd, 2011, 11:39 AM

Kochi Corporation will approach the State government with a request for tarring major city roads with a five-year guarantee clause.

The major city roads need to be re-laid under higher standards of construction failing which they would easily get damaged. The Corporation will also prepare a list of roads that need to be re-tarred with the condition that the contractor would guarantee the quality of the work for the next five years.

The list will be submitted to the government along with the request for implementing the guarantee clause, Tony Chammany, Kochi Mayor, informed the Corporation Council on Monday.

The Corporation has secured an overdraft of Rs. 5 crore, which will be used for settling the bills of contractors of the civic body.

Though the contractors had demanded that all the arrears should be cleared, it would not be possible at this stage considering the financial situation of the civic body.

If the contractors refuse to resume the work even after the rainy season, the Corporation will approach the Public Works Department for getting the works implemented, the Corporation council was informed.

The Corporation plans to intensify the tax collection drive for generating revenue. All the unauthorised buildings in the city will be surveyed and action will be initiated.

Crematorium

The Corporation Council also decided to assign the responsibility of renovating the crematorium at Ravipuram to the Rotary Club of Ernakulam.

The design for the renovated structure and other details will be provided by the civic body and it can be only after obtaining the permission of the civic body that any change in these conditions can be made.

The Corporation will prepare a list of properties and facilities at the crematorium before handing over the responsibility to the agency. The club will have to complete the work within six months of handing over the responsibility.

It will not be allowed to collect any charges from the general public for cremation, it was decided.

The Corporation will retain the ownership rights regarding the crematorium and the club will be allowed to display a board or a plaque.

A team of civic officials will oversee the renovation works, it was decided.

Those who took part in the discussion included K.J. Jacob, N. Venugopal, K.V. Manoj, Soumini Jain, Shyamala S. Prabhu and Ratnamma Raju.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2315873.ece

mohammedirshad06

August 3rd, 2011, 11:55 AM

http://img842.imageshack.us/img842/6105/newbride.png
CC: Manorama

Estimate for Emergency Bridge prepared for Eloor Ferry-Cheranellor area. The new bridge would costs around Rs 22 Crore. The estimate will be submitted to the district collector for the approval. If approved, it would realization a long demand of the people of Eloor Island, which is often described as a time bomb, due to presence of several chemical and fertilizers industries. If the bridge comes reality, in event of an emergency, people can be evacuated fastly.

mohammedirshad06

August 3rd, 2011, 06:42 PM

2vdLUFPwhws

Cruising thro' NH 47 from Aluva to Vytilla

dpkanu

August 4th, 2011, 08:57 AM

Giving fresh hopes for opening up a new corridor to the city, the state government on Wednesday sanctioned Rs25 crore for acquiring land for the widening of Thammanam-Pulleppady Road. The first road in the city to be renovated under the detailed town planning (DTP) scheme, the Thammanam-Pulleppady stretch will open a parallel corridor to the city similar to Edappally-High Court and Sahodaran Ayyappan Roads.
The widening of the road is being implemented in connection with the proposed Metro Rail project. The 3.4kmlong ThammanamPulleppady Road will be widened to 22 metres. Though a total of Rs 22 crore has already been allocated under the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission, the project was at a standstill owing to the huge funds required for the acquisition of land.
However, the idea to include the project under the detailed town planning (DTP) scheme will now help the civic body to complete the project on time. Under the DTP scheme, the civic body will offer benefits like revised floor area ration and transfer of development rights (TDR) to the landowners. The Corporation has already completed the assessment of the total area of land to be acquired in the area.
"The widening of the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road will be completed in two phases. Initially the Padma-Kathrikkadavu stretch will be widened. Once the work is completed, the vehicles plying on the Kaloor-Kathrikkadavu Road will get a direct entry to the MG Road.," said a top Corporation official.
The Thammanam-Pulleppady Road widening will play a crucial role in easing traffic congestion that will arise out of the dismantling of the north overbridge in connection with the proposed metro rail project. Once the North RoB is demolished for widening, traffic will be rerouted through the Thammanam Pulleppady Road.

Source : Express Buzz

mohammedirshad06

August 4th, 2011, 05:08 PM

d9YjSLWfhgU

Is it so-called toll collection? Is this our Pro-Toll people wants... So its nothing but, daylight looting!!!!

mohammedirshad06

August 5th, 2011, 09:30 AM

To make the cleaning of the canals more effective, the Kochi Corporation is planning to construct service roads along the major canals in the city.
The decision in this regard was taken after the experts' suggestion to the civic body that the lack of service roads is the major hindrance in carrying out cleaning works on canals and drains.

Without the service roads, it will not be easy for the JCB and other vehicles to get access to the canals for cleaning purpose.

"The corporation will soon envisage a total station survey for collecting the basic information for initiating the project. After the survey, the report will be presented at the Corporation Council for approval," said an official at the corporation.

Nearly 25 canals, including ThevaraPerandoor, Pashnithode, Rameswaram, Kalvathy and Pandarachal, pass through the city. These canals, which once played a major role in Kochi's transport sector, are now filled with waste materials and weeds and as a result the flow of water in a majority of them have ebbed.

"Once the service roads are constructed, the cleaning works will be carried out easily using modern cleaning equipment," the official said.

Water Metro Project

The construction of service roads will also be an added advantage for the smooth implementation of the 'Water Metro' project. "The Water Metro project is proposed to make the major canals in the city navigable. The construction of service roads will help in setting up new boat jetties along the side of these canals," the official said.

Land Acquisition

The major hurdle in front of the civic body for implementing the service road project will be land acquisition.

"Finding funds for the land acquisition and rehabilitation will be the biggest challenge. However, considering the need for constructing the service roads, the civic body is planning to go ahead with the project," the official said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/corporation-plans-service-roads-along-canals/173164-60-122.html

mohammedirshad06

August 5th, 2011, 01:11 PM

http://img12.imageshack.us/img12/5273/pujaricurve.png

Rs 2 crore granted for straightening the dangerous Pujari Curve in Airport-Seaport road. This is announced by PWD Minister Ibrahimkunju. The district administration is asked to fasten the Land Acquisition for the same and RBCK to start the works at the earilest

Malayaali

August 5th, 2011, 01:34 PM

Aluva Flyover

The 6 lane flyover is fully open but the carriageway beneath it isn't. As a result the flyover is just an ELEVATED ROAD. The flyover is meant to avoid Bypass and Pulinchode signals, both of which are "CHALU" right now.

Entering the flyover from CIAL side @ Alwaye Bypass Jn

http://img641.imageshack.us/img641/7904/30072011383.jpg

http://img20.imageshack.us/img20/4631/30072011384.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/9553/30072011385.jpg

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/8003/30072011387.jpg

http://img41.imageshack.us/img41/7621/30072011389.jpg

http://img36.imageshack.us/img36/3738/05082011424.jpg

http://img30.imageshack.us/img30/2113/05082011427.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/1757/05082011428.jpg

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/7830/05082011429.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/7743/05082011430.jpg

http://img34.imageshack.us/img34/8749/05082011431.jpg

http://img17.imageshack.us/img17/8868/02082011407.jpg

http://img69.imageshack.us/img69/2556/02082011408.jpg

Malayaali

August 5th, 2011, 01:38 PM

Aluva - Kalamassery section of NH-47 (66)

http://img263.imageshack.us/img263/3121/05082011419.jpg

http://img89.imageshack.us/img89/9062/05082011420.jpg

mohammedirshad06

August 6th, 2011, 09:52 AM

http://img833.imageshack.us/img833/2364/kochimetroland.png

Kochi Collector started discussions with land owners as a prelude to Land acquisition. The collector was discussing for securing a few plots near to the North ROB, for dummy test as part of soil testing and piling works.

He said, though not many buildings need to be demolished completely, majority will lose its outer boundaries or verandas. Compensation will be paid in liberal way and only after that, Land acquisition will happen.

Land acquisition is required from Kacheripady to Madhava Pharmacy junction to make the road into 21 meters. Currently it has only 17 meters.

A new service road will be constructed near to foot overbridge in North ROB.

Rs 158.8 Crore is earmarked for developing roads and new bridges, as part of road development before Metro works start.

40 crores is earmarked for new North ROB, which may go up after a revised tender estimate. A new overbridge at Salim Rajan Road has already been approved and works have commenced

38.40 Crores will be used to widen the South Railway station from Jos to South Railway station. 12.5 crore will be used to beautify and development of MG road.

30 crores will be used to widen and beautiful from Kacheripady to Marine Drive stretch of Banerjee Road. Rajaji Road, Salim Rajan Road, Thammam-Pullepady Road, Mulleserry Canal Road will be widen and developed soon as funds have been alloted. Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) will be supervising all the major road developments in the city with RBCK and PWD on work.

ttand3t

August 6th, 2011, 08:19 PM

mohammedirshad06

August 6th, 2011, 09:02 PM

I happened to travel along the ICTT road and it took me less than 30 minutes to reach high court junction and enjoyed the scenic drive. If proper green cover along the road can be developed,the drive along the ICTT will be a much refreshing experience. But I have a strong feeling that once ICTT becomes fully operational,the stretch between Kalamassery and Ankamaly will become choked since when 2 container lorries pass, the signal will turn red and result in longer waiting at signals. Thats where seaport airport 2 nd phase becomes important.Now with the attention focussed on metro and related road developments,looks like seaport airport road has again gone to the back burner. It will spell doom when ICTT traffic picks up.

Defintely SPAP road will not be struck, as its one of the most pet projects of UDF, particularly IUML. Moreover city roads developments and SPAP are handled by two different agencies. While former is completely managed and developed by DMRC, SPAP is handled by RBCK and SPAP has different set of funding, mainly from NABAD rather than Govt of Kerala.

The main issue for SPAP is the issues of alignment near CIAL. The original alignment near Cochin Airport cannot be considered now, as CIAL already commissioned its Golf Club and second phase is underway!!! Moreover Railway's new Airport Railway station and Airport Tram are coming up in the original stretch allotted for SPAP. Hence a new alignment has to be fixed and the one proposed is severely objected by locals due to fresh set of LA and additional distance of around 3 Kms. The collector has called for meeting to sort out and recently PWD Minister himself visited to see what can be done.

I am sure, SPAP will never go back bench, because 3 parties are equally interested- 1. PWD Minister Ibrahimkunju as its IUML's flagship project; 2. Ports Minister- K Babu as it passes thro' his constituency along his personal interests in Thrikkara region and finally the current bureaucrats who are handling it have strong commitment towards it, say Dr.Beena (MD of RBCK), District Collector- Pareek and CIAL MD Kurien.

Already works for straightening the most dangerous part of SPAP are going to be rectified, which shows the commitment,

ttand3t

August 7th, 2011, 09:44 AM

Defintely SPAP road will not be struck, as its one of the most pet projects of UDF, particularly IUML. Moreover city roads developments and SPAP are handled by two different agencies. While former is completely managed and developed by DMRC, SPAP is handled by RBCK and SPAP has different set of funding, mainly from NABAD rather than Govt of Kerala.

The main issue for SPAP is the issues of alignment near CIAL. The original alignment near Cochin Airport cannot be considered now, as CIAL already commissioned its Golf Club and second phase is underway!!! Moreover Railway's new Airport Railway station and Airport Tram are coming up in the original stretch allotted for SPAP. Hence a new alignment has to be fixed and the one proposed is severely objected by locals due to fresh set of LA and additional distance of around 3 Kms. The collector has called for meeting to sort out and recently PWD Minister himself visited to see what can be done.

I am sure, SPAP will never go back bench, because 3 parties are equally interested- 1. PWD Minister Ibrahimkunju as its IUML's flagship project; 2. Ports Minister- K Babu as it passes thro' his constituency along his personal interests in Thrikkara region and finally the current bureaucrats who are handling it have strong commitment towards it, say Dr.Beena (MD of RBCK), District Collector- Pareek and CIAL MD Kurien.

Already works for straightening the most dangerous part of SPAP are going to be rectified, which shows the commitment,

Thank you Mr Mohammed for the optimistic words.As u said,Kurian,Beena and Preekh is a good combo and they should be able to bring this to reality soon. I wish they extend the ICTT ROAD straight along Eloor ferry and join NH47 somewhere beyond Ankamaly or Chalakudy insted of entering at Kalamassery . Btw The photograph u took of periyar river with mangalapuzha bridge in the background written idyllic periyar at desom is clicked very close to my inlaws house in Aluva. Wish u a very meaningful holy month and colourful Eid.:banana:

mohammedirshad06

August 7th, 2011, 11:17 AM

The entire relaying of roads and pothole filing works in the city will start from tomorrow. An order in this regard was issued by PWD Minister and handed over to district administration and PWD Officials.

The Pothole filing machine brought for testing in Trivandrum recently, would be brought to Kochi for works starting from tommorrow. A second machine would be purchased soon for the district for speeding the works. Roads which required to be relaid, would go for tendering by Thursday and works are expected to start by 3rd week of this month.

NHAI officials are asked to work for relaying few stretches of the road at Aroor, Vytilla, Padivattom, ICTT Container road which are required to complete before October. PWD officials are asked to complete the relaying works for10 kms long Aroor-Thuravoor stretch of NH before Onam.

The minister also got a written assurance from NHAI officials that Edapally ROB would be completed and opened for traffic before November. The written assurance was sort, after NHAI failed several deadlines in past. In event of delays in the deadline, the agreement has provision for imposing fines on the NHAI and contractors.

A meeting would be called with all PWD Chief Engineers, district collectors for discussing various road developments project to be undertaken within this financial year soon.

Malayaali

August 10th, 2011, 04:18 AM

New Venduruthy bridge to be opened next month:cheers:
http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00748/KI09VENDURUTHYWES_748722f.jpg
BETTER CONNECTIVITY: The potholed Venduruthy overbridge that links Kochi with West Kochi
and the new bridge that would be opened soon

The new two-lane bridge being built parallel to the Venduruthy bridge is expected to be opened to traffic by September end.

The bridge being built by the Public Works Department (PWD) at a cost of Rs 30 crore would decongest the Venduruthy bridge which was built by the British in 1938. The existing bridge withstood the ravages of time, though regular inspection and repairs were not done. It also survived damages to its structure after being hit twice by a dredger deployed by the Cochin Port Trust.

But its surface continues to be pothole ridden, with both the Cochin Port Trust and the PWD failing to carry out timely repairs. This causes traffic hold ups, especially during peak hours. Sources in the PWD said that improper drainage is causing water logging on the bridge surface, leading to formation of potholes. As a result, two-wheelers and sometimes heavier vehicles encroach into the footpath, posing danger to pedestrians and cyclists.

Once the new bridge is commissioned, only two and three-wheelers are likely to be permitted to use the existing bridge. Alongside the new bridge, work is on to build an underpass linking the Naval Base with the Navy's residential area on the other side of the road. As for the repair and resurfacing works of the stretch from the bridge to Vathuruthy and up to the Mattancherry BOT bridge, the works would most likely be taken up after the rains.

The proposal to concrete the perennially potholed portion in front of the Naval Base was dropped because of the cost factor. “We hope to build a drain opposite the Base and carry out resurfacing of the stretch up to the Mattancherry bridge using bituminous macadam and bituminous concrete,” said a PWD source.

The Venduruthy bridge would have been opened a couple of years ago but for the Cochin Port Trust and the Navy expressing reservations about funding the project.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2339646.ece)

Malayaali

August 15th, 2011, 07:39 AM

Kochi City Highways

http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/880/09082011446.jpg

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http://img24.imageshack.us/img24/4971/09082011458.jpg

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Malayaali

August 15th, 2011, 07:53 AM

http://img821.imageshack.us/img821/6590/09082011679.jpg

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Malayaali

August 15th, 2011, 08:11 AM

TP Road that will be developed as 4 lane soon

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/9720/09082011531.jpg

Pullepady ROB on TP Road

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http://img59.imageshack.us/img59/1471/09082011578.jpg

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Kathrikadavu ROB

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6297/09082011535.jpg

Banerjee Road

http://img38.imageshack.us/img38/8562/09082011608.jpg

http://img823.imageshack.us/img823/3751/09082011606.jpg

Edappally - Palarivattom Road

http://img15.imageshack.us/img15/9514/09082011655.jpg

Kaloor - Kadavantra Road

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http://img810.imageshack.us/img810/3616/09082011624.jpg

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Karakonam Parallel Bridge built by Cochin Chamber of Commerce as part of TP road 4 lane devpt

http://img825.imageshack.us/img825/6929/09082011629.jpg

Malayaali

August 15th, 2011, 08:17 AM

Stadium Link Road

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Malayaali

August 15th, 2011, 08:21 AM

:nuts:
http://img43.imageshack.us/img43/8607/09082011700.jpg

http://img695.imageshack.us/img695/5807/09082011695.jpg

DileepKS

August 15th, 2011, 01:37 PM

OMG, you are on a roll Malayaali!! Great going!!

Malayaali

August 15th, 2011, 01:52 PM

^^

:cheers:

Malayaali

August 16th, 2011, 06:32 AM

What i felt through these snaps, that our city will look a beauty once those wires are brought underneath! Those heavily kills the aesthetics :ohno:

Hopefully, Metro will, on the whole, give Kochi a new look :cheers:

mohammedirshad06

August 16th, 2011, 01:56 PM

http://www.kochivibe.com/wp-content/uploads/2011/08/venduruthy_new-bridge.jpg

Venduruthy New Bridge will commissioned by last week of September. The construction is in full swing and structure and road works is almost complete. A few exteriors decor, railings and painting works are pending. In addition laying additional pipelines on the sides of the bridge is the only major work pending.

The new bridge is built at a cost of Rs 30 crore. This will replace the 73 year old Venduruthy Bridge, which was commissioned in 1938 as part of Willingdon Island Development. Once the new bridge is opened, the old bridge will be closed for renewal and maintence works, which will includes strengthening and re-tarring, after which, it will be opened for small vehicles like bikes, scooters etc.

The new bridge is expected to ease the traffic congestion in the stretch, due to the narrowness of old Venduruthy Bridge.

http://www.metrovaartha.com/images/metroBETA.gif (http://www.metrovaartha.com/2011/08/15073820/VENDURUTHY-METRO-RAIL.html)

rkpai13

August 16th, 2011, 08:31 PM

What is the status of Venduruthy Railway bridge?

Malayaali

August 17th, 2011, 06:21 AM

What is the status of Venduruthy Railway bridge?

The Concrete is complete, tracks have to be laid :)

mohammedirshad06

August 18th, 2011, 09:45 AM

The new Edappally-Paravur stretch of NH 17 would be soon developed as proper NH. The NHAI, RBCK is working around the clock for commissioning Edappally ROB and RBCK is expecting to complete the approach and allied road works by end of September. Currently tarring works is under progression with northern side completed almost 70% of works.

A new signal light system will be implemented at Kunampuram Junction, to facilitate orderly movements of vehicles from Edappally ROB towards Varapuzha as well as to Amrita Hospital.

The Edappally ROB is expected to open by first week of October 2011.

http://www.deepika.com/

Arunz

August 18th, 2011, 04:43 PM

What is the current situation of Kochi roads ? I am coming to Kochi for a 3 weeks vacation, wanted to know if I can drive myself from Kochi to Kayamkulam or take a taxi ;-)

DileepKS

August 19th, 2011, 02:54 AM

Arunz,

Take a taxi, preferrably an SUV :) I would have suggested a TANK, but I don't think Indian Army would rent you one.

Malayaali

August 19th, 2011, 06:53 AM

Arunz,

Take a taxi, preferrably an SUV :) I would have suggested a TANK, but I don't think Indian Army would rent you one.

:nuts:

Private jets are offered on hourly rent from CIAL!

Malayaali

August 19th, 2011, 06:55 AM

^^

:bash:

Where are you from dear sir??

maheshponneth

August 19th, 2011, 08:54 AM

Yes Sir.. A tank will be the best option... Dont be get carried away by the pictures shown above.. Those are just some of the best roads in cochin which is a rarity... Arguably cochin has one of the poorest road infra as compared to other tier 1 and 2 citities in the whole of India... Even calicut has got better roads than cochin.. .

you are 100% correct. I am also living in Kochi city. Poor roads are the curse of kochi city. Most of them narrow also. Only few roads are there which are good but the others fate are remains bad.
Another thing I want to say about auto rates. Auto drivers demand high rates here . For going 2kms distance they demand 30-40 rupees

mohammedirshad06

August 19th, 2011, 11:11 AM

It seems the Kochi Corporation is not aware of the fact that road construction could not be carried out during monsoon. The Corporation, without any hesitation, is blaming the climate for the delay in carrying out the work.

The Corporation is still waiting for the ‘sun to smile’ to start the work on the damaged city roads. The Corporation had announced that the repair of the Rajaji Road would start on Thursday. Though materials and machines were mobilised, the Corporation could not keep its word and the Mayor is blaming the monsoon for the delay.

“Everything was arranged so that work could be started on Thursday. But the rain on Wednesday night sabotaged our plan,” said Mayor Tony Chammany. He further said he was not sure as to when the work could be started. The maintenance work on city roads should have been completed earlier. However, some of the work was undertaken only a few months ago. The authorities then promised to take up major works, including retarring, but nothing happened. The strike by Corporation contractors was also another reason for the delay in road repair.

The Works Standing committee has already submitted a list of 13 roads to the PWD. They include the Karshaka Road, Durbar Hall Road, Hospital Road and Pottakkuzhi Road. The civic body is also pinning its hopes on the Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation which has been entrusted with the renovation of the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road. The RBDCK is expected to start work soon.

“The PWD is expected to start the renovation works before Onam,” said a top Corporation Official.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/corporation-waits-for-sunshine-to-repair-roads/176875-60-122.html

rajkrish

August 19th, 2011, 01:26 PM

Quite true.Malappuram and Calicut has the best auto rickshaw rates in Kerala

Another thing I want to say about auto rates. Auto drivers demand high rates here . For going 2kms distance they demand 30-40 rupees

Malayaali

August 19th, 2011, 01:48 PM

you are 100% correct. I am also living in Kochi city. Poor roads are the curse of kochi city. Most of them narrow also. Only few roads are there which are good but the others fate are remains bad.

I will say poor roads are the curse of Kerala!

Kochi has comparatively decent roads and among the best in the state. Almost all points are 4 lane connected. Can you show better roads elsewhere??

The issue is where the traffic is! It has to carry multiples of traffic than it is supposed to! Twice or almost thrice than any other place in Kerala! As a result even 4 laned SA Road or MG Road will feel narrow!!

If you travel from Aluva to Edapally, you will know its the 8 lane traffic flowing through the 4 lane highway!! :bash:

DileepKS

August 19th, 2011, 05:00 PM

sanjupalayat

August 19th, 2011, 06:33 PM

mohammedirshad06

August 19th, 2011, 07:38 PM

The big arteries in the city are pretty good. The problem is with the roads that are classified small, but carry major traffic. Eg DH Road, St. Benedict road etc. Those are thin paved, and naturally are broken down easily.

My comment on the SUV was more about the southbound highway from Aroor.

I would say, its partly because of improper, more better usage should be ridiculous traffic pattern of the city.

Most of the small roads, say DH, Chitoor, Convent junction road, hospital road etc were designed during Royal days, mainly to cater only handful royal and government vehicles. Things have rapidly changed to 2011 with these roads patronized by lorries, Volvo buses, city buses and scores of medium sized vehicles, while the road size and to extend even the specifications of road design remains that of 1920s.

What a ridiculous idea is allow Chittoor road for city bus services, KSRTC still using Rajaji facility and many other faults in traffic design.

mohammedirshad06

August 19th, 2011, 07:51 PM

The road repair MAHAMAHAM started with entire relaying of Rajaji Road conducted under direct supervision of Kochi Mayor- Tony Chammany

http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/296343_251536604877462_164489026915554_805825_6027694_n.jpg

http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/298193_251536844877438_164489026915554_805826_7833913_n.jpg

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http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/299853_251538138210642_164489026915554_805831_928186_n.jpg

Image source:- Tony Chammany Facebook

mohammedirshad06

August 19th, 2011, 09:49 PM

http://farm7.static.flickr.com/6121/5969789440_aed272b791_b.jpg
cc: akashsasankan

Maradu side of NH Highway

vu3nnn

August 19th, 2011, 10:09 PM

What a ridiculous idea is allow Chittoor road for city bus services, KSRTC still using Rajaji facility and many other faults in traffic design.

then what is the alternative? City busses use Chittoor Road and KSRTC use Rajaji facility for a simple reason that people need these routes and overwhelmingly patronize them.

Chittoor Road (Kacheripady-Valanjambalam can till be widened with ease, with not a single major structure having to be pulled down or a single person displaced (except for a couple of illegal wayside petty shops)

Again, Kacheripady - Rajaji Road Jn stretch of Chittoor Road is in pretty OK shape in spite of the busses. The problem of moon crater potholes is between Rajaji Road and South, which makes it pretty clear that the only problem is with the contractor, not with the road or the planning per se.

Blaming the vehicles instead of blaming the road construction is IMO perverted logic, and will only strengthen the hands of the contractor-mafia.

mohammedirshad06

August 19th, 2011, 10:24 PM

then what is the alternative? City busses use Chittoor Road and KSRTC use Rajaji facility for a simple reason that people need these routes and overwhelmingly patronize them.

Chittoor Road (Kacheripady-Valanjambalam can till be widened with ease, with not a single major structure having to be pulled down or a single person displaced (except for a couple of illegal wayside petty shops)

Again, Kacheripady - Rajaji Road Jn stretch of Chittoor Road is in pretty OK shape in spite of the busses. The problem of moon crater potholes is between Rajaji Road and South, which makes it pretty clear that the only problem is with the contractor, not with the road or the planning per se.

Blaming the vehicles instead of blaming the road construction is IMO perverted logic, and will only strengthen the hands of the contractor-mafia.

I fail to understand small stretch of road like Chitoor road from Iyattil Junction to Valanjambalam be used for Tripunithara bound buses? This stretch is already a major road with several small vehicles plying and buses adds more woes to it.

Rather roads with less traffic can be used to bus traffic. For example Foreshore road-Pallimukku stretch is used, it can reduced congestion both in MG Road as well as Chitoor road. Tripunithara buses can ply from Marine drive, go straight from General hospital area, instead of taking left to foreshore road and drive straight to South ROB via Pallimukku. Fort Kochi Buses also can ply in same route and take diversion to Electronics street and proceed untill Atlantis Junction before getting back to MG Road.

Foreshore road is currently holds less traffic, even in case of private vehicles. Thus pressure of roads will get reduced. Lot of scope of widening exists in Church Landing road, like the vacant plot in front of church. Most of the houses in that area are not on edge of the road, hence LA wouldn't affect much. Even without LA, the roads are okay to accomodate Bus traffic.

KSRTC Buses bound to KSRTC bus stand from Alapuzha side, must avoid entering into city, by diverting to Maradu and to VMH. City buses can ply in the previous route.

This way chitoor road, DH etc can be saved from excessive traffic and less pressure and the city roads can relieved from traffic to some extent.

The problem is it may find objections from public, as many stops will be cut down. People want stops on every 100 meters. The best example- GHSS stop in South and within 100 meters, we have Valanjambalam stop....

Public will patronize... You don't need to stick up with 1960s kind of traffic planning in today's context.

Malayaali

August 20th, 2011, 05:49 AM

Underpass to be built along Vytilla ROB

http://img31.imageshack.us/img31/474/16082011860.jpg
cc: Manorama

vu3nnn

August 20th, 2011, 04:55 PM

I fail to understand small stretch of road like Chitoor road from Iyattil Junction to Valanjambalam be used for Tripunithara bound buses? This stretch is already a major road with several small vehicles plying and buses adds more woes to it.

The only alternative is the even more congested MG Road.

Rather roads with less traffic can be used to bus traffic. For example Foreshore road-Pallimukku stretch is used, it can reduced congestion both in MG Road as well as Chitoor road. Tripunithara buses can ply from Marine drive, go straight from General hospital area, instead of taking left to foreshore road and drive straight to South ROB via Pallimukku.

Fort Kochi Buses also can ply in same route and take diversion to Electronics street and proceed untill Atlantis Junction before getting back to MG Road.

I guess you are not aware of the actual road layout in these places. Google Earth / Wikimapia will tell you this is possible, but a drive through this road will convince you this is not possible. This road is already being used by South to North city busses and is in no condition whatsoever to support even LMV in the return direction.

Foreshore road is currently holds less traffic, even in case of private vehicles. Thus pressure of roads will get reduced. Lot of scope of widening exists in Church Landing road, like the vacant plot in front of church. Most of the houses in that area are not on edge of the road, hence LA wouldn't affect much. Even without LA, the roads are okay to accomodate Bus traffic.

Foreshore Road is OK. It is the Church landing Road that is a problem. True, widening is easily possible without any displacement (except for people who have no business to be there), as it is with Chittoor Road, and in fact the proposal exist for both these roads on paper. But when that will happen in anyone's guess.

KSRTC Buses bound to KSRTC bus stand from Alapuzha side, must avoid entering into city, by diverting to Maradu and to VMH. City buses can ply in the previous route.

While I personally do not have a problem with this idea, the KSRTC-Sahodaran Ayyapan Road - Maradu - Arur route was proposed (and I think even implemented for a few days - I am not sure) when the Gammon bridge came into existence, to save on toll, but stiff opposition from the people of West Kochi forced KSRTC to abandon this move. Nothing has changed since then, so it will be a while and take some doing to shift long distance KSRTC busses shift to VMH..... and in any case without the flyovers at NH47, such a move would serve no purpose... as things stand the congestion in Vytilla and other junctions means that coming via the city or via NH bye pass does not make much of a difference! In fact taking the Thoppumpady route and exiting via the container road may actually save time than going via the ByePass and entering VMH as it exists now!

The problem is it may find objections from public, as many stops will be cut down. People want stops on every 100 meters. The best example- GHSS stop in South and within 100 meters, we have Valanjambalam stop....

The stop at Valanjambalam no longer exists officially for the last 15 years at least. But busses do stop if anyone stretch out their hand, as they do elsewhere.

DileepKS

August 20th, 2011, 05:14 PM

City buses should be plied on the Edakochi route. The residents can not expect the long distance buses to waste all the time and fuel to serve them!! They got used to the convenience of all night service. That is the problem.

mohammedirshad06

August 20th, 2011, 07:46 PM

I guess you are not aware of the actual road layout in these places. Google Earth / Wikimapia will tell you this is possible, but a drive through this road will convince you this is not possible. This road is already being used by South to North city busses and is in no condition whatsoever to support even LMV in the return direction.

I am well aware of the road, as I stay very close to this stretch and during my vacations, Foreshore road to Park is my regular morning walk stretch.

I agree that current road condition is worse, primarily due to bad condition of road. When I said about alternate roads, it is to reduce pressures on road. Pressure on road is also one of the several factors for its breakdown. Ofcourse the main villain is poor quality of laying. But even if its well laid, heavy pressure will reduce the durability.

Foreshore Road is OK. It is the Church landing Road that is a problem. True, widening is easily possible without any displacement (except for people who have no business to be there), as it is with Chittoor Road, and in fact the proposal exist for both these roads on paper. But when that will happen in anyone's guess.

Church Land road is the only problem area. But there are enough vacant plots and many plots are not easy to sell. Example, NSS Karayogam tried several times to sell Rudra Vilasom school premises, which didn't work out. The center plot is vacant for centuries, owing to some mysterious reasons. The Palaces of Cochin Royals on other sides have enough frontage to acquire for a 4 meter wide road. And some structures near to Church Landing road are even unauthorized constructions.

The side road near to Shipyard also able to expand, as most of the land is completely underutilized and laid with forests. Acquisition is possible, being a govt entity and not much of land, as we require just 4 to 5 meters of width, to make it proper road, enough for buses to operate. Once acquired, it must be enforced as priority road for Buses, not LMV.

This is not case of Chitoor road. Though the plan is there to acquire land, it will be always opposed due to pressures of business lobby. In Kochi, we require some Jayalalitha kind of leader, if dare to go beyond business lobbies. Rather wasting time dealing much with business units, its more easy for practical land acquisitions. Once Atlantis ROB comes up, even we can prohibit buses plying thro' South, hence it takes off pressure on Chitoor and MG Road to great extend.

While I personally do not have a problem with this idea, the KSRTC-Sahodaran Ayyapan Road - Maradu - Arur route was proposed (and I think even implemented for a few days - I am not sure) when the Gammon bridge came into existence, to save on toll, but stiff opposition from the people of West Kochi forced KSRTC to abandon this move. Nothing has changed since then, so it will be a while and take some doing to shift long distance KSRTC busses shift to VMH..... and in any case without the flyovers at NH47, such a move would serve no purpose... as things stand the congestion in Vytilla and other junctions means that coming via the city or via NH bye pass does not make much of a difference! In fact taking the Thoppumpady route and exiting via the container road may actually save time than going via the ByePass and entering VMH as it exists now!

I am not saying KSRTC Buses to use NH road bypassing Edakochi side. I am saying they can use current road, but instead of entering into City at Venduruthy, they can divert the buses to Kundanoor side and enter into NH Byepass and reach VMH.

Atleast half of private buses that ply on Aluva-Fort Kochi route, must be diverted via NH Byepass and enter Thoppumpady via Kundanoor.

Ofcourse there are congestion at Vytilla. But surely there are strong plans to develop 4 grade separators and the road is more wide and professionally designed to hold more traffic.

The stop at Valanjambalam no longer exists officially for the last 15 years at least. But buses do stop if anyone stretch out their hand, as they do elsewhere.

There are many like that and slowly they emerge as official stops. Unless traffic authorities stops it, it will worsen it...

The traffic police must bring in more professionals, to see which all stretches can be used or not... To say, current traffic pattern is only to worsen the road usage and adds more pressure woes.

Traffic patterns are usages are created by Humans and our police must use their powers to redesign the usage, rather following age old practice considering ground reality.

vu3nnn

August 20th, 2011, 08:36 PM

Pressure on road is also one of the several factors for its breakdown. Ofcourse the main villain is poor quality of laying. But even if its well laid, heavy pressure will reduce the durability.

What I don’t understand is that why can’t they simply lay all the roads as done at MG Road, SA Road, Banerjee Road, and Kaloor Kadavanthara Road, all which in spite of heavy traffic is performing remarkably well for years now. This proves that all excuses such as heavy rains, increased traffic etc are hollow. True, cost will be high, but it would be one time investment rather than repairing the roads every six months.

All fingers point to the contractor-mafia as they would be out of work if this happens.

Acquisition is possible, being a govt entity and not much of land, as we require just 4 to 5 meters of width, to make it proper road, enough for buses to operate. Once acquired, it must be enforced as priority road for Buses, not LMV.

In this we have another example of lack of foresight or bureaucratic-political will. Shipyard demolished and rebuild the boundary wall about 6-7 years ago (there’s a road on the other side of the wall also). At that time the government could have expanded the Madhavan Nair Road easily to eliminate the congestion at Pallimukku….. but making it a priority road for busses won’t work as the road is basically a residential area on the other side.

This is not case of Chitoor road. Though the plan is there to acquire land, it will be always opposed due to pressures of business lobby.

In Chittoor Road, no one will loose their plots or building. All the landowners would loose is a few meters of the frontage, which they anyway have to leave vacant as per building regulations. In return they would get cash / extra FAR which they would welcome…and a wider road ultimately benefits them most.

The only casualties would be a few diapiliated shops at Pulleppady Jn and near Iyyatil Jn, but from what I understand some of them are actually illegal constructions, and many others are tenents who are not paying market rent to the landlords, so the landlords would be glad to use road widening as an excuse to evict them…. ….

But what is needed is a political will and leadership to see these things through

I am not saying KSRTC Buses to use NH road bypassing Edakochi side. I am saying they can use current road, but instead of entering into City at Venduruthy, they can divert the buses to Kundanoor side and enter into NH Byepass and reach VMH.

While this is one option, another option is to continue to the Venduruthy bridge and take the Madhavan Nair Road - Church landing Road (after widening) - Foreshore Road - Park Avenue - Marine Drive to the Container Road rather than use the MG Road and the present KSRTC stand. The busses can halt at the old KSRTC stand at Boat Jetty, which has enough facilities for passing busses, or at the site earmarked for a new bus stand near the Goshree bridge.

The advantage of this route over the existing MG Road - Banerjee Road or even the Bye Pass is not having to cross any major signals or junctions, and still passing through the city center and bang in front of Maharajas College, Law College, Revenue Tower, St Thresas, Old Collectorate, General Hospital, Market, Broadway, Marine Drive, High Court, Vallarpadom Container Terminal etc. People can get down and walk to these places without depending on secondary transport such as city busses or autos, thereby eliminating more vehicles on the road rather than merely reducing vehicles on the road, or replacing long distance busses with city busses or autos as VMH will achieve.

Atleast half of private buses that ply on Aluva-Fort Kochi route, must be diverted via NH Byepass and enter Thoppumpady via Kundanoor.

This should be accompanied by more boat services between Fort Kochi / Mattancherry and Ernakulam to compensate for the reduced connectivity between the city center and west Kochi

Another option would be to divert half of the Alwaye busses via the Container Road. The major source of congestion in the city is the North and South ROB, and putting the container road to good use would ease congestions greatly.

The traffic police must bring in more professionals, to see which all stretches can be used or not... To say, current traffic pattern is only to worsen the road usage and adds more pressure woes.

Traffic patterns are usages are created by Humans and our police must use their powers to redesign the usage, rather following age old practice considering ground reality.

Experience shows that whenever the traffic police have intervened to impose restrictions on the natural flow it has invariably created a big mess. The senseless array of blinking traffic lights atop the South ROB is a standing testimony to this fact.

A few years ago the police prevented U turns at MG Road. The result was the entire city coming to a standstill for hours together. Then they tried to reserve the Banerjee Road and the main portion of the North ROB for busses only (which incidentally they propose to do again when North ROB is pulled down). Matters escalated to the level of a mini civil-war between the car owners and representatives of PBOA/traffic police......

Compare this with removal of the one way for LMV on Chittoor Road and C P Ummer Road. This has reduced the congestion at MG Road to a marginal extent while not increasing congestion in Chittoor Road / CP Ummer Road. This points to an interesting observation that atleast in the CBD, greater the restrictions, greater the troubles, and lesser the restrictions on the natural flow, more freely the traffic will flow.

mohammedirshad06

August 22nd, 2011, 04:29 PM

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00761/22KIUNDERPASS__761662f.jpg

Work yet to begin on proposed flyovers and ring road

While private buses plying on select routes calling at the Vytilla bus terminal-cum-mobility hub from Wednesday has been widely welcomed, the absence of flyovers at Vytilla Junction and the inadequate road infrastructure around the hub pose bottlenecks for the free movement of traffic.

Though it has been over five years since the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) proposed to build flyovers at the largest traffic intersection in the State, the agency is yet to begin even preliminary work on them. Thus, motorists from all four directions have to wait for multiple signal changes before they can cross over to the other side of the junction.

Vehicles from Kaniyampuzha Road too are unable to gain direct access to the junction.

Roads around the junction too have not been developed, despite funds being earmarked in the State budget for the proposed ring road around the junction.

The result was evident on Wednesday, which was observed as Bus Day, when buses were rerouted through the service roads on the northern side of the junction.

The narrow roads, and the even narrower underpass beneath the Vytilla bridge, were made one way.

Residents, schoolchildren and those who frequented the roads daily were caught unawares by the buses speeding through the narrow service road, which has slushy and ill-maintained road shoulders.

Motorists from the north-eastern side of the bypass had to drive all the way to the junction and wait in the long queue for the signal to cross over to the north-western side.

Road widening

To ensure the safety of pedestrians and to enable vehicular traffic in either direction, there is widespread demand from residents and others that a wider area of the service roads be tarred.

A long-pending proposal to link the unused and un-tarred underpass located on the northern side of the tarred underpass, with adjacent roads is pending. This would enable vehicular movement in both directions till the flyovers are built.

NHAI's Kochi Project Director C.T. Abraham said that the unused underpass could be developed if the Vytilla Mobility Hub Society handed over funds for the same.

“We had submitted to them an estimate worth over Rs.1 crore.”

There is also a proposal to widen the narrow stretch from the Ponnurunni temple to the tarred underpass. This can be done if a few cents of land is acquired on either side.

Assistant Commissioner of Police (Edapally Traffic) Baby Vinod said that motorists and pedestrians were finding it easier to travel through Vytilla after vendors were removed from the junction and side roads.

“A few more vendors and encroachers on the service road have to be removed and notices have been issued to them. There is also a proposal to make the traffic signal lights on the northern side of Vytilla junction functional.”

The Ring Road around Vytilla can be built by widening a few roads beside the national highway bypass and by making optimal use of the service roads and underpasses around the junction.

Ring road

“The ring road will serve the purpose of a clover-leaf structure, which cannot be accommodated in the limited space at the junction. The idea is to enable a good share of vehicles to avoid Vytilla Junction once the bus terminal is fully commissioned. The ring road will also come in handy when it will be necessary to divert the vehicles for the piling and allied works for the flyovers proposed at Vytilla Junction,” said S. Gopakumar, president, Better Kochi Response Group that proposed the ring-road project.

http://www.thehindu.com/template/1-0-1/gfx/logo-footer.gif (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2383046.ece)

mohammedirshad06

August 23rd, 2011, 02:11 PM

As if a journey through Kochi was not enough of a nightmare, the city will turn into a real hell for motorists from Saturday. Say thanks to the authorities who have decided to impose traffic regulations prior to the re-construction of the North Railway Overbridge without completing the pre-requisites.

Had the authorities taken some measures to coordinate various infrastructure projects in the city, the hardship caused to the public would have been minimal.

The proper functioning of the Vyttila Mobility Hub, widening of the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road and repair of various approach roads would have diverted a major chunk of traffic from Banerji Road. But the authorities failed to ensure proper coordination between various agencies associated with these infrastructure projects and the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the nodal agency for implementing the Kochi Metro Rail Project.

The Vyttila Mobility Hub, a project envisaged as a solution to the traffic bottlenecks in the city, had never been taken into consideration while shaping the plans for allied projects of Kochi Metro Rail. If the Vyttila Mobility Hub had been functioning properly, it could have taken a lot of traffic out of the city.

“Earlier, there was little effort to link the Vyttila Mobility Hub project with the Metro Rail project. But last week, Tom Jose, the nodal officer for Kochi Metro Rail project, convened a coordination meeting. At the meeting, he asked us to expedite measures to see to it that the first phase of the mobility hub is in full swing,” said M Beena, managing director, Vyttila Mobility Hub Society.

The previous LDF government had appointed a special officer to coordinate various infrastructure projects in the city.

“It is to coordinate various development projects like the Vyttila Mobility Hub, JNNURM projects and KSUDP projects that I have been appointed. But the Kochi Metro Rail Project is not under my purview,” said T K Jose, the official who was appointed by the previous government to coordinate the infrastructure projects in Kochi.

“The DMRC had approached us when they had some problems in securing the sanction of the PWD to reconstruct the North ROB. Barring this, the DMRC had never approached us for any help,” Jose said.

Jose said he had submitted a detailed town planning scheme which would have ensured hassle-free land acquisition for the Thammanam-Pulleppady road. “I had submitted the report before the Assembly elections. But, it is yet to get the nod from the state government,” he said.

Using the provision of transfer of development rights (TDR) in the scheme, the land for widening the road connecting Chakkaraparambu on NH Bypass and Padma Junction could have been undertaken easily.

Various approach roads in the city which can be used as alternative routes are not in good condition. The Kochi Corporation could not repair these roads owing to shortage of funds.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/overbridge-demolition-traffic-nightmare-begins/177912-60-122.html

vu3nnn

August 24th, 2011, 03:26 AM

^^
Showcases the total incompetence of our administration. The bare minimum they can do is ensure all roads are pot-hole free (and that is not a favor)... and that they live up to the promise of removing toll on Pulleppady ROB...... if they cannot ensure even these basic requirements, on what grounds are they enjoying life at the taxpayers expense?

Sad to say, but the change of guard in the Corporation does not seem to have made any difference.

mohammedirshad06

August 24th, 2011, 11:59 AM

http://img231.imageshack.us/img231/8306/roadscok.png

PWD listed 12 roads for major repairs, planned to start end of this month. The works will be completed in September itself if rains donot affect.

The major roads are Hospital road, Pottakuzhi Road, Sreekandattu Road, Azad Road, Kalathil Velayuthan Road, Durbar Hall Road, Karshaka Road, Market Road, Rameswaram Canal Road, Palluruthy 40 feet road, Thoppumpaddy Kochupilly Road,

The roads will be relaid in modern means and maintenance will be done by PWD itself. As the traditional 20mm Chipping is not enough, considering the density on the road and pressure, the PWD decided to go with 40mm chipping . The total expenses are expected to be more than 2 Crore.

mohammedirshad06

August 24th, 2011, 01:15 PM

LJ_XNsxfylA

:lol::lol::lol: Surely, its high time Govt to dissolve Kochi Corporation and make administrative rule in the city. Make some person with spine, like V.J Kurien or Sibi Mathew as City Administrator, so that city will improve, rather than current rulers

vu3nnn

August 24th, 2011, 03:59 PM

today I happened to go through Rajaji Road, the very road our mayor has made it a point to personally supervise and bow beat in his facebook page..... work is still going on, but mark my words, the way they are laying it, it will return to its former glory within three months!

mohammedirshad06

August 24th, 2011, 11:58 PM

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/46908177.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/46908154.jpg

http://static.panoramio.com/photos/original/46908144.jpg

mohammedirshad06

August 25th, 2011, 09:48 AM

With the count-down having begun for the trial traffic diversion in preparation for the North Railway Overbridge (ROB) re-construction, the authorities concerned are running helter-skelter to finish the patchwork and tarring of some of the major roads in the city.

According to the plan, only heavy vehicles will ply through the North ROB and the light vehicles will be diverted through other roads, especially those running parallel to the Banerjee Road and those around the north ROB. Considering the humongous traffic flow expected (more so, owing to Ramzan and Onam), the rate at which road repair is taking place is alarmingly slow.
However, the official dilemma is such that, after declaring the trial run to last for a week, the word now is that traffic regulations will be enforced on Thursday night and Saturday.

The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Limited (RBDCK) has begun the repair work on the Thammanam-Pulleppady road. “Pothole-filling has been completed in the 600 metre stretch from the Pulleppady ROB till the Chittoor road, including the C P Ummer road. Owing to the heavy rain on Tuesday, work was disrupted on Wednesday. Anyhow, we expect the work to be finished within this week,” said M Beena, Managing Director of RBDCK.

Meanwhile, the Kochi Corporation commenced the tarring work on Chittoor Road the other day but has been held up because of overnight rain. “The entire stretch from Valanjambalam to Vaduthala will be repaired. But the work is being disrupted by the frequent rain. We have begun the work from Valanjambalam and have laid metal till SRV High School. If the weather is favourable, we will finish the work soon,” said Soumini Jain, the chairperson of the corporation’s Works Standing Committee.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/alternative-roads-get-a-facelift/178382-60-122.html

mohammedirshad06

August 25th, 2011, 09:50 AM

Hardly days remaining for the trial run in connection with the demolition of the Ernakulam Town rail overbridge (ROB) to commence, various agencies are at loggerheads over the preparations to handle the chaos ahead.

Reflecting the difference of opinion among these agencies, the one-week trial run has been reduced to a one-day event.

According to the police, the traffic diversions suggested is not feasible. “First of all, the time they have selected for the trial run is not appropriate. During Onam, the traffic will be at its peak in the city. How can they expect to conduct the trial run, especially as most of the roads on to which the traffic will be diverted are not in proper condition? a top police official said. “We have submitted a request to the City Police Commissioner seeking a change in the date. The Commissioner is expected to bring it to the notice of the Collector,” he said.

Police official said the work on the Chittoor Road has begun and similar works on the other roads would be completed after Onam. “So, rescheduling the trial run for the second week of September will be a better option,” the official said.

Even the Kochi Corporation is dead against the decision to conduct the trial run this week. Mayor Tony Chammany said: “We had made our stand clear to the Chief Minister concerning our disapproval. Even he had agreed that the perfect time to conduct the trial would be after Onam.”

The Mayor pointed out that the Corporation should be consulted while taking decisions affecting the city. Government officials alone cannot take a decision on such issues, he said.

“The whole purpose of conducting a trial run on this particular day is to regulate traffic during the worst possible situation. With the extra traffic in the wake of Onam, we agree it will be extremely difficult to control the traffic,” Kochi Metro Rail Nodal Officer Tom Jose said. He said it is the only scientific way to assess the impact of the diversion.

“We cannot simply theorise everything on paper without doing a trial run. If the public has been travelling through the bad roads for so many months, I think a one-day trial run is not going to affect them much,” he said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/welcome-to-eternal-chaos/178339-60-122.html

mohammedirshad06

August 25th, 2011, 10:47 AM

http://img64.imageshack.us/img64/4160/northrobkochi.png

Kochi Collector reassures that Traffic diversion only happen ONLY AFTER ONAM. The current activity is only restrictions/curbs just for ONE DAY to make a primary study.

vu3nnn

August 25th, 2011, 08:07 PM

“We cannot simply theorise everything on paper without doing a trial run.

Where is the question of theorising when when it is obvious to even a 5 year old as to what is in store......... its a bit like saying "we cannot simply theorize that the sun will rise from the east every day"..... surprising to see that administrators supposed to be in charge of the city cannot understand what is obvious to anyone who is familiar with the city.....

now with ample publicity for this one-day trial, many people may simply avoid coming to the city on this day (just as they shrug off a harthal day)... so the trial may serve no purpose.

If the public has been travelling through the bad roads for so many months, I think a one-day trial run is not going to affect them much,” he said.

well.... in that case, the diversion should also apply to all VIP, and bureaucrat vehicles

in my opinion forced diversion will not work. Allow all vehicles to use the remaining portion of the bridge... divert KSRTC and long distance busses via Container Road..... and whichever LMV wants to avoid the chaos will willingly use the Pulleppady ROB / Container Road

Malayaali

August 26th, 2011, 07:18 AM

Traffic diversion trial passes off smoothly
The trial traffic diversion, a precursor to the dismantling of the North railway overbridge (RoB) to facilitate the proposed Kochi Metro, passed of smoothly on Thursday night.

The traffic police had made Kaloor and Kacheripady the two main points from where traffic would be diverted. They diverted all vehicles except buses entering the city from Kaloor and Kacheripady during the two-hour-long exercise from 8 pm to 10 pm.

All other vehicles, including two-wheelers coming into the city from Edappally were diverted via the Kaloor-Kathrikadavu road. The officials propose to hold another day-long trial run on Saturday.

Since it was already night and the roads were not busy, a realistic assessment of the traffic diversion could not be made, according to traffic police officials. Rain did play spoilsport creating congestion for two-wheeler riders who were forced to take a detour during the downpour.

“Everything was fine despite the rain when the trial started. There was some confusion initially, but vehicle drivers cooperated which led to the success of the trial run,” said traffic deputy commissioner Gopalakrishna Pillai.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/traffic-diversion-trial-passes-smoothly-344)

Malayaali

August 26th, 2011, 07:22 AM

Alternative roads get a facelift
With the count-down having begun for the trial traffic diversion in preparation for the North Railway Overbridge (ROB) re-construction, the authorities concerned are running helter-skelter to finish the patchwork and tarring of some of the major roads in the city.
According to the plan, only heavy vehicles will ply through the North ROB and the light vehicles will be diverted through other roads, especially those running parallel to the Banerjee Road and those around the north ROB. Considering the humongous traffic flow expected (more so, owing to Ramzan and Onam), the rate at which road repair is taking place is alarmingly slow.
However, the official dilemma is such that, after declaring the trial run to last for a week, the word now is that traffic regulations will be enforced on Thursday night and Saturday.
The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Limited (RBDCK) has begun the repair work on the Thammanam-Pulleppady road. “Pothole-filling has been completed in the 600 metre stretch from the Pulleppady ROB till the Chittoor road, including the C P Ummer road. Owing to the heavy rain on Tuesday, work was disrupted on Wednesday. Anyhow, we expect the work to be finished within this week,” said M Beena, Managing Director of RBDCK. Meanwhile, the Kochi Corporation commenced the tarring work on Chittoor Road the other day but has been held up because of overnight rain. “The entire stretch from Valanjambalam to Vaduthala will be repaired. But the work is being disrupted by the frequent rain. We have begun the work from Valanjambalam and have laid metal till SRV High School. If the weather is favourable, we will finish the work soon,” said Soumini Jain, the chairperson of the corporation’s Works Standing Committee.

IBN Live (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/alternative-roads-get-a-facelift/178382-60-122.html)

mohammedirshad06

August 26th, 2011, 09:40 AM

Amidst protests from the Merchants Union and the Kochi Corporation, the traffic diversion trial run conducted by the district administration on Thursday night went smoothly. The trial run, which began at 8 p.m, lasted for two hours.

“The trial run took place as expected. However, we are expecting the complete impact of the diversion on Saturday, when the main diversion will take place.” said CI Babu Raj. The trail run of Saturday will begin at 8 a.m and end at 10 p.m.

The Merchants Union had earlier expressed their displeasure over the decision to conduct a trial run before Onam season as it would affect their sales.
The Corporation had told Express that it disapproved with the trial run, especially since the construction of the roads has not been completed.

“At a time like this such a trial run is not feasible,” Mayor Tony Chammany said, adding that the traffic congestion would be higher as it was Onam.
He added that that he had brought this to the notice of the Chief Minister. During the traffic regulation, all the vehicles, expect the heavy ones which were allowed to ply through the North over bridge, were diverted.

The traffic from the MGBanerjee roads is being regulated through Kacheripaddy- Pachalam railway crossing and finally to the SRM road. The route diverted for the East- West traffic was Kathrikadavu- Pullepady- Chittoor and finally to MG Road.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/traffic-diversion-trial-run-goes-smoothly/178670-60-122.html

mohammedirshad06

August 27th, 2011, 10:39 AM

http://img820.imageshack.us/img820/8827/roadkochirbck.png

Kochi Collector informed that all alternate roads of the city, will be taken over by RBCK for repair and maintenance, before demolition of North ROB. It was informed by Collector to Kerala High Court, after the court expressed its displeasure in current traffic rerouting in the city.

Malayaali

August 27th, 2011, 10:48 AM

Finally, demolition of North ROB to begin on Sept 15
Demolition of the Ernakulam North railway overbridge as part of the preparatory works for the Kochi metro rail project will begin on September 15. The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC), the implementing agency for the project, has already prepared an outline for the demolition process.

The decision was made at a review meeting of officials of the Kochi Metro Rail Limited, DMRC and district administration.

According to the plan, the two side bridges would be demolished initially, followed by the main bridge. Light vehicles will not be allowed to pass through the main bridge while the demolition of the side bridges will be carried out. However, private and KSRTC buses will be allowed to pass through the bridge. The demolition works will be carried out by Cherian Varkey Construction Company.

It has been decided to repair alternate roads identified for diverting traffic by September 12. As part of the traffic arrangements to be introduced, the Kochi Metro will sponsor 50 traffic wardens. Apart from this, all long distance buses plying through the city will be asked to enter the Vytilla Mobility Hub from September 5.

Feeder buses will be introduced to transport people to the city from the hub.

Out of the 250 buses, that the KSRTC plans to introduce in Ernakulam, 50 will be feeder buses.

The review meeting was attended by Kochi Metro Rail Limited managing director Tom Jose, DMRC project director Sriram, district collector P I Shaik Pareeth, regional transport officer T J Thomas and city police commissioner M R Ajith Kumar.

TOI (http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Finally-demolition-of-North-ROB-to-begin-on-Sept-15/articleshow/9752076.cms)

mohammedirshad06

August 28th, 2011, 10:33 AM

Choodi-Pokattupady Road is planned to construct soon. Already estimate for the proposed road is considered, which is reported to be Rs 98 Lakh worth project. The 4 Km road from Choodi to Pokkattupady will connect to Aluva via Pallikara and Third Mile.

The road is planned to build as per NHAI specifications, equivalent to NH standards.

http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&programId=1079897613&contentId=9949640&district=Cochin&BV_ID=@@@&townName=&villageName=

DileepKS

August 29th, 2011, 04:55 AM

MI, it doesn't connect Pallikara. Pallikara is further up on the road.

mohammedirshad06

August 29th, 2011, 01:42 PM

http://img35.imageshack.us/img35/2449/kumbalamnettoor.png

NABAD sanctioned Rs 13 crore for Kumbalam-Nettoor bridge, said PWD Minister Ibrahimkunju.
:banana:
The PWD is planning to construct several inter-island bridges in Kochi, for increased connectivity and reduction of congestion in main roads. Some of the main islands for which investigative tenders will be issued soon;

1. Nettoor-Kundanoor alternative bridge

2. Valanthakadu-Maradu bridge

3. Kannankad-Edakochi-Willingdon island bridge

vu3nnn

August 29th, 2011, 08:07 PM

Kannankad-Edakochi-Willingdon island bridge is long overdue and will serve many uses. It will offer the shortest route from Arur to Ernakulam, and also serve as a viable parallel road to the bye pass between Kundanoor and Arur; and will help decongest the bye pass / Vytilla Jn considerably.

Together with this, the Pandit Karuppan Road should also be widened, or failing that a new Marine Drive from Thevara Jn to the Kundanoor-Island bridge.

Malayaali

August 30th, 2011, 09:04 AM

Strengthening of Thevara bridge to begin next week
The strengthening of the Thevara Market Bridge, one of the oldest bridges in the city, will begin next week.

The handrails of the bridge, which connects the Venduruthy Bridge and the road that leads to West Kochi, had been damaged. Sand bags were packed at the base of the bridge for protecting the ageing structure. The residents and traders in the area had long been demanding the repair of the bridge, which is one of the oldest structures in the city.

The Kochi Corporation, with the support of the Cochin Shipyard, would strengthen the bridge and the work was expected to start on Tuesday, said Soumini Jain, chairperson, Works Standing Committee of the Corporation.

It would require around Rs.18 lakh for strengthening the nearly 100-m bridge. The Shipyard has offered Rs.10 lakh and the Kochi Corporation will provide the rest of the funds for completing the work.

Contractors reluctant

Though the contractors were reluctant to take up the work citing the possible delay in getting the bills cleared by the Corporation, the civic body succeeded in bringing in a contractor to take up the project, said Ms. Jain.

The fund released by the shipyard would be given to the contractor immediately on completion of the work. However, the fund pooled in by the civic body would be released only on seniority basis and it might take at least one year for the fund to be released.

The contractor identified by the corporation had agreed to the conditions, Ms. Jain said. The Corporation had not considered the option of constructing a new bridge in the area at this stage as it would require detailed studies before initiating such a decision. Under the present scheme, the existing structure would be strengthened and the handrails reconstructed. The option of replacing the existing one with a new structure could be considered at a later stage, she said.

The Kochi Mayor has asked the Kerala Water Authority to carryout the restoration work of the Pandit Karuppan road, which was cut open for laying water supply pipelines. The road was dug up for laying pipelines immediately after the Corporation carried out the repair works. KWA has been asked to carryout the restoration work within two weeks.

The directive of the civic administrators was communicated to the representatives of the residents' association and traders of the area at a meeting held on Sunday.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2408158.ece)

Malayaali

August 30th, 2011, 09:06 AM

SP-AP Road - Special Land Acquisition Unit to be formed

http://img714.imageshack.us/img714/6752/fffvp.jpg
cc: Manorama

mohammedirshad06

September 4th, 2011, 09:13 AM

Finally the govt is making its realization. Welcome CCRIP.....:banana::banana:

With the aim of giving a new look to Kochi roads, the Kerala road fund board (KRFB) has submitted a proposal to the state government to acquire land for road development. The Cochin city road improvement project (CCRIP) promoted by KRFB will undertake the development of 11 roads in the city.

Talking to TOI on the CCRIP project, minister for public works department, V K Ibrahimkunju said the primary focus was on acquiring land. "The previous government had issued an order freezing land acquisitions. This order has not yet been revoked because of the absence of a rehabilitation and resettlement project," he said.

For the project, KRFB will have to acquire 30 acres of land and demolish 39,741 square meters of built-up space. The initial filed verification for the project is over and the project proposal is now before the department of revenue.

"KRFB will have to do a complete study on underground and over ground utilities like pipelines and cables that pass through these routes. It will be difficult to carry out the work if there are pipelines carrying crude oil and gas underneath," said chief operating officer, KRFB, PC Harikesh.

He also said there would be provisions for drains and ducts for laying cables. "We are not sure we will be able to provide these facilities on all the roads that we have undertaken to develop. It will depend on the area available," he added.

Harikesh said that the real work on the roads would be a slow process and most of it would be done at night. "We don't want to block traffic or close roads."

The minister meanwhile said there would be a meeting on September 14 to look into this issue and also push forward the CCRIP project. "It is the responsibility of the Kochi corporation to repair and maintain city roads. The PWD will focus on roads managed by it," said Ibrahimkunju.

Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) is a professional body set up to take up fund management of the Kerala state public works department. KRFB's main focus is on managing non-budgetary funds and allocating such funds to implement innovative roads and other related infrastructure in the state.

http://articles.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/2011-09-03/kochi/30110048_1_roads-kochi-project

DileepKS

September 4th, 2011, 05:49 PM

Given the results of the city road improvement programme elsewhere, I really look forward to the CCRIP. It is long overdue that the commercial capital got its share of development.

mohammedirshad06

September 4th, 2011, 06:28 PM

Given the results of the city road improvement programme elsewhere, I really look forward to the CCRIP. It is long overdue that the commercial capital got its share of development.

The city urgently requires a make-over, considering the fact more than 50% of Kerala's revenues are generated from Ernakulam district. I am not taking any Shiva-Sena stance, that Money generated from Ernakulam, must be used only here....

But atleast, we should we our due. I won't blame full on politicians. Our own business lobbies played their part in halting many projects. Even CCIP will face serious issues in future, considering the level of acquisitions and demolishing of buildings.

In past, only experience of implementing the project was limited in our capital city But the nature of units that faced axed was different. Thats definitely not the case in Kochi, where axe will have to touch some of the big names of the business world.

In addition, always vested interests play their part well, to halt any such major projects. Just see, now Technical committee says only 20mm tarring is pratical for Kochi roads and Cochin Corporation saying, they have no choice, but to implement the council's decision, knowing well that it will last only another 3 months.... How come technical committee over-rule even PWD minister's stance for 40mm tarring?

Its possible, because for most of contractors, roads are prime regular income and they will not let any road to go best forever.

As I used to say, Kochi's good and bad is always attributed to its business lobby and business interests.... We may have some of the best malls, some of the most luxury cars, most posh hotels, marina or things like that.... But to enjoy it, we all have to be in mercy of these business lobbies money making scandals like roads, traffic congestion and things like that......

DileepKS

September 5th, 2011, 04:15 AM

You hit the nail on the head MI. Business interests is both the boon and bane for our city. It will continue to be so, as long as we are the economic powerhouse of the state, which would be, till global warming eats up the city.

A smart politician could easily channel and manipulate the energies, but unfortunately, we don't have one yet. One who could make a 'business deal' that 'they couldn't refuse' between the polity and the business lobbies. Till now, we haven't seen anyone.

sanjupalayat

September 5th, 2011, 04:44 AM

mohammedirshad06

September 6th, 2011, 06:57 AM

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/skywalk.jpg.crop_display.jpg

The road safety committee headed by chief secretary Mr P. Prabhakaran gave approval for the proposed Vytilla Skywalk for pedestrians at the busy Vyttila junction.

District Collector Mr P.I.Sheikh Pareeth said that Rs 6 crore would be utilized for the project from the Rs 19-crore fund allotted for road safety in the state.

The project is the brainchild of Mr Pareeth who wanted to ease the difficulty experienced by pedestrians in crossing the road at the junction. The skywalk with a steel frame will be 10 metres wide and 50 metres long.

It will have facilities like a shopping mall, ATM counters, security boxes, public toilets and a hotel. A picturesque view of the sky is an added attraction.

Mr Pareeth said that detailed discussions will be held with the NH authorities as the Kochi Metro Rail would also pass through the junction.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/vyttila-skywalk-gets-safety-panel-nod-756

Kochi will soon have its skywalk if things go according to plan. With the state road safety council giving a green signal for the project, pedestrians can breathe a sigh of relief.

District collector PI Sheik Pareeth said "The road safety council chaired by chief secretary, P Prabhakaran has given the in-principle approval for the project." Ernakulam district will get Rs 6 crore for this project from the Rs 19 crore allotted for road safety, he added.

The project will be carried out in consultation with the national highway authority of India (NHAI) as there are plans to construct a flyover. The road safety committee will hold discussions with NHAI in this regard. "We need NHAI's approval," he said.

The project is the brainchild of Sheik Pareeth, who is also an engineer. He came up with this concept to ease pedestrian difficulty in crossing roads at the junction. The steel frame skywalk will be 10 metre wide and 50 metre long. :banana:

The skywalk will house facilities like shopping mall, hotel, ATM, security box and public toilets. A picturesque view of the sky is the added attraction. The project also includes an escalator, which will be of help during peak hours. The sky walk will have aluminium flooring. The project will be completed within three months.

Explaining the project the district collector said, "In India we have a skywalk in Mumbai. We will stick to international standards while building our skywalk." Following the collector's instruction, Ashok Kumar, an engineer from Ashok Associates in Thiruvananthapuram designed the project.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Skywalk-soon-at-Vyttila-Junction/articleshow/9878856.cms

I wonder how come a hotel function inside a skywalk, measuring just 10 meters wide? In Delhi Airport, we have transit hotel rooms, where each room is set in the 15m wide Airside corridor, in form of a 4 meters wide boxes... But thats airport... There can't be similar structures in a pedestrian crossing!!!

Malayaali

September 6th, 2011, 07:47 AM

I wonder how come a hotel function inside a skywalk, measuring just 10 meters wide? In Delhi Airport, we have transit hotel rooms, where each room is set in the 15m wide Airside corridor, in form of a 4 meters wide boxes... But thats airport... There can't be similar structures in a pedestrian crossing!!!

That will be more of a road side cafeteria with few seating options. 10m is more than enough for such facilities.

DileepKS

September 6th, 2011, 08:13 AM

You need shops all around. Occupied ones. Otherwise the skywalk will have the same fate of the foot overbridge built at Kacheripady. Neurotics, Beggars and 'solicitors of services' will camp on the skywalk, and make its use by regular folk impossible.

Honestly, I don't think it is a good idea. What we need is a proper interchange there.

e_arunsid

September 6th, 2011, 07:16 PM

Skywalk..Wat about the flyover at vytilla.. Seems like we have some buddirakshasanmar ruling our city

mohammedirshad06

September 7th, 2011, 06:22 AM

Skywalk..Wat about the flyover at vytilla.. Seems like we have some buddirakshasanmar ruling our city

The problem is the Sky Walk can be concevied only after NHAI and govt finalizes what kind of flyover is required at Vytila. Is it an elevated highway or a grade separator or an ordinary flyover....For past 10 years, they couldn't finalize it. And projects after projects are getting announced.... Don't know when they are going to get some brains.....

mohammedirshad06

September 7th, 2011, 06:23 AM

The Kochi Metro Rail Corporation has come to the rescue of the cash-strapped Kochi Corporation in the drive to resurface the city's roads.

The corporation had appealed to Metro rail officials to provide funds to repair damaged roads, and a fund of Rs 4 crore has accordingly been allotted for the road resurfacing.

The corporation has already handed over 14 main roads in the city to the public works department as it has no money to redo these pot-holed and damaged roads.

According to the new plan, the Metro Rail Corporation will resurface the stretch from the Padma junction to Chittoor, Azad road, Kacherippadi-North Town Hall stretch and the Rajaji Road, using bitumen mix tarring, and not the chipping carpet method which the corporation wanted. Metro Rail officials said that roads should be resurfaced to last long and a temporary fix is not a good idea.

The Metro Rail corporation had earlier also agreed to resurface the stretches from Pullepadi to Thammanam, Kathrikadavu to North railway overbridge and Veekshanam road and CP Ummer road.

Metro Rail special officer, Mr Tom Jose, said that the resurfacing work will start soon and the roads will be perfect before September 12, rains permitting.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/metro-rail-corp-relay-roads-978

e_arunsid

September 7th, 2011, 06:38 AM

^^Thats a nice one...Corporation is impotent so better some other agency take care of it.:)

e_arunsid

September 7th, 2011, 06:48 AM

New bridge named as Venduruthy-Vikrant

Good News for ppl from westkochi.

KOCHI: The new bridge constructed at Venduruthy in Kochi has been named as Venduruthy-Vikrant bridge in honour of India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier. The decision was announced by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy on Tuesday after receiving a cheque of `12.5 crore from Vice-Admiral K N Sushil, Commanding-in-Chief of the Southern Naval Command as Indian Navy’s contribution towards the construction of the bridge.
The amount is approximately one third of the cost of the bridge. The gesture followed approval of the same by the Ministry of Defence. The Chief Minister was on his maiden visit to the Naval Base after he assumed office.
Speaking on the occasion, Chandy said that the bridge is being named Venduruthy-Vikrant Bridge in honour of India’s first Indigenous Aircraft Carrier which is being constructed at the Cochin Shipyard. He expressed the gratitude to the Indian Navy for the help rendered by the Navy for rescue operations during accidents and natural calamities. A formal agreement regarding this was signed between Commodore Sunil Anand, Chief Staff Officer (Personnel and Administration), Southern Naval Command, and P C Harikesh, Chief Operating Officer, the Kerala Roads Fund Board. Mayor Tony Chammany and Commodore M R Ajaykumar, Naval Officer-in-Charge, Kerala, were present.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/new-bridge-named-as-venduruthyvikrant/181999-60-122.html)

mohammedirshad06

September 7th, 2011, 06:55 AM

^^Thats a nice one...Corporation is impotent so better some other agency take care of it.:)

For Kochi, this is almost like whats going in 1640s, when Hon. Dutch East India Company-VOC ruled the city, when the royal administration was just spectators... Today we having KMRL, DMRC, Shipyard, Navy, Port and few private companies doing the actual governance, while a few clowns sitting in the office as Mayor or Opposition leader....

I am forced to trust N.Venugopal now... It seems he is saying truth atleast.....

nAxtf6tGErg

rkpai13

September 7th, 2011, 05:46 PM

New bridge named as Venduruthy-Vikrant

Good News for ppl from westkochi.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/new-bridge-named-as-venduruthyvikrant/181999-60-122.html)

When it is going to be inaugurated?

News was that it will be done in Sept '11

mohammedirshad06

September 8th, 2011, 08:08 AM

The trial run to divert light vehicles crossing the North overbridge through alternative roads would be held from September 12 to 14.

This is as a precursor to pulling down the two-wheeler bays of the bridge to widen the structure into a four-lane one, said Tom Jose, managing director of Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). He said the agency had entrusted the Kerala State Construction Corporation with the work to resurface alternative roads prior to the trial run of the route diversion.

Under this, Veekshanam Road, C.P. Ummer Road, Pullepady-Thammanam Road, the underpass of the Katrikadavu overbridge, Pius 10 Road, Padma-Chitoor-Pullepady stretch, Azad Road, Rajaji Road and the Kacheripady-Town Hall stretch through St Benedict and Paramara roads would be resurfaced using bituminous macadam and bituminous concrete (BMBC). “The Corporation of Cochin had cited its inability to resurface the roads, because of funds paucity and the non-durability of roads that it has been resurfacing using 20 mm chipping carpet. The BMBC roads will easily last another two years,” Mr Jose said, while addressing mediapersons here.

The KMRL would utilise its funds to repair the roads (estimated to cost Rs 3 to Rs 4 crore).

The machinery and plant for the purpose are ready and work can take off whenever rain takes a break. The works would be ready by September 12 if rain does not play spoilsport, he said.

Mr. Jose said the KMRL would also pay Rs 300 to each of the 50 traffic wardens who would be posted along alternative roads during the trial diversion. It would also provide traffic cones, electronic signal batons, direction boards and rain coats to the traffic policemen and wardens.

To a question about vehicles parked haphazardly on side roads hampering free traffic flow when vehicles are diverted from the North overbridge, he said the police would assess their impact on traffic flow and take action. Referring to a vehicle survey carried out at the North bridge, Mr Jose said that an average of 29,610 light vehicles and 10,000 two-wheelers used it in the first five days of September.

He said the South bridge too would have to be widened into four-lane. “The State government has sanctioned Rs 48 crore for the Atlantis bridge that would be built parallel to the South bridge. The corporation is engaged in acquiring land for the same.”

On the 33 acres of land in Kakkanad that houses the NGO quarters being developed into a business hub, he said that this would benefit the IT professionals and others who can purchase goods and avail themselves of other services from their vicinity.

The funds would be included in the State government's contribution to finance the Kochi metro rail project. Kochi Project Director of Delhi Metro Rail Corporation P. Sriram too was present.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2435038.ece

vu3nnn

September 8th, 2011, 12:10 PM

mohammedirshad06

September 8th, 2011, 04:24 PM

Hi Guys,

I think, Collector has proposed Skywalk to Kochinites. But I feel, why such a long skywalk could be planned between Vytilla Mobility Hub to Infopark via Eloor Island. In my assessment, a straight line distance between Vytilla Hub to Infopark expressway is less than 6 to 8 kms, while currently the two roads (Padivattom-Kakkanad and Irumpanam-SPAP) takes more distance the this. There has been few proposals to extend Infopark Expressway to Vytilla Junction which may take another 10 years to realize.

In meantime, an elevated 15m walkway set on 5m pillars can take off scores of congestion at Kakkanad, while proving another healthy way for Kochinites.

My vision is that, the walkway would be much similar to airside corridors, with travelators (people's mover/horizontal conveyor belt) so that those people, especially those who has to go to infopark/Smart city as well as other major establishments in Kakkanad, can park their cars in Hub, walk/stand or use buggies for a nominal cost and reach their destination.

A nominal cost of say Rs 5 per person per usuage can be charged, but it makes lot of healthy options, as people get chance to walk, without sweating (as being an enclosed airconditioned walkway) and well as use 24x7, without waiting for one or two buses or other modes of transport. Ladies, who has to work at odd timings in Infopark, also find it useful, as they can walk/travel in a secure zone and reach Hub, where they can get public transport or any mode of transport most of time.

This requires least acquisition, as it requires just few cents for each pillar on its route and could be planned in such a way, in future, the walkway comes in center of the median of proposed extension of expressway, so it public can continue to use the walkway, without distorting the traffic or alignment.

The walkway surely promote more people to park cars in hub while take a healthy route of walking/travelling thro' People's mover. Aged or disabled may be transported via buggies. But surely these can make additional income as considerable savings in fuel/time without increasing more public transport to these areas.....

In another way, it shall act as an emergency evacuation walkway between Eloor and city.

e_arunsid

September 8th, 2011, 05:30 PM

^^ I hope we have some practical and possible solutions ..This one just looks too much over the top.:bash:

Malayaali

September 8th, 2011, 06:52 PM

Hi Guys,

I think, Collector has proposed Skywalk to Kochinites. But I feel, why such a long skywalk could be planned between Vytilla Mobility Hub to Infopark via Eloor Island.

Sensible idea, but not practical by Kerala standards!

No one wants to walk here!

vu3nnn

September 9th, 2011, 08:50 PM

such a long skywalk could be planned between Vytilla Mobility Hub to Infopark via Eloor Island.

Might as well as construct a proper elevated road rather than a walkway. Even that will require only a few cents of lands for the pillars. No one will walk 8 kms. Making it fully air-conditioned 24x7 and using travelators will make the cost of operations too prohibitive, much more than what Rs 5 will cover. Again, regardless of the security measures in place, in no time this place will surely become the happy hunting ground of "neurotics, beggars and 'solicitors of services' !"

mohammedirshad06

September 10th, 2011, 02:55 PM

Might as well as construct a proper elevated road rather than a walkway. Even that will require only a few cents of lands for the pillars. No one will walk 8 kms. Making it fully air-conditioned 24x7 and using travelators will make the cost of operations too prohibitive, much more than what Rs 5 will cover. Again, regardless of the security measures in place, in no time this place will surely become the happy hunting ground of "neurotics, beggars and 'solicitors of services' !"

I know, my proposal is not a big thing... Just shared my thought with you all of here.

An elevated road is a good idea, but you can't build a 30m road in a 5m pillar. It requires atleast 2 sets of 5m pillar, making it to 10 meter along with the width thats going to be useless between two pillars. Which means, there is going to be higher cost of acquisition

We all know, there is a proposal to extend Expressway to Vytilla, which may happen in another 10 or 15 years. But the rate at which IT hub is growing requires more solutions to reach it faster than waiting it for another 10/15 years for a road.

It may be something new for Malayalees in Kerala, to think walking/using people's mover for 6 kms... But not at all novel for NRKs.... We all have have walked 1.6 km long Dragon Mart in Dubai for shopping without any people's mover or might have used Dubai T3 Airside corridor which is almost 9 kms in length from its first gate to last gate.....

Its almost 5 kms of Airside strip even in Delhi's T3 airport and without any walkators, most of passengers might have walked 2.5 kms of Abu Dhabi Airport aircorridor from Gate 1 to Gate 49.

Perhaps in Airport, we maynot walk consciously, as our intentions might be reaching to gates... But in times of heavy congestion, parking problems, cost of acquisitions and its associated delays, we may be forced to think some out-of-box styles for our city.

One major issue, I feel in our city, we lack a good walk strip for daily walks. This slowly gave rise to increasing gyms for health conscious people.

In a walkway, people actually donot walk for long time. They are equally supported by People's mover which means, to cover a distance of 6 kms, it may take around 15 to 20 mins. Its more wiser to use that, than wasting the costly fuel on roads spending more time in congestion.

Last day, it took me more than one hour from my new home in Kakkanad to Vytilla. It was at this time, I felt, if there was an alternative walkway, I could have reached the junction much earlier.....

I don't believe the cost of walkway is going to be prohibitive.... The sides of walkway can be developed with some shopping kiosks/ATMS/Cafes etc, so that revenues could be generated from it... The money is charged to keep non-users out of it, to avoid it becoming a haven of anti-socials. It doesn't mean to sustain the project.

Secondly it ensures, enough traffic is generated to VMH all around the times, to make it commercially more viable. Parking is a major issue in the city, even in Kakkanad. VMH can support more than 1000 to 1500 cars at a time, which means, lot of people can actually save time...

Meanwhile, its just a thought for many of organizations/actions groups to think. We require atleast 100 alternatives, to find the atleast 10 getting realized......

vu3nnn

September 11th, 2011, 08:17 AM

In a walkway, people actually donot walk for long time. They are equally supported by People's mover which means, to cover a distance of 6 kms, it may take around 15 to 20 mins. Its more wiser to use that, than wasting the costly fuel on roads spending more time in congestion.

Just another out of the box thinking: do we need a metro in that case. wouldn't elevated walkways with people movers be a much better and cost-effective move?

mohammedirshad06

September 11th, 2011, 08:46 AM

Just another out of the box thinking: do we need a metro in that case. wouldn't elevated walkways with people movers be a much better and cost-effective move?

Metro can used in high density traffic areas, where it can make public transportation more better as well as revitalize the city. Metro or any public transport is actually meant for long periods, while such walkways/pedestrian crossings are short-lived....

Perhaps, once a metro line connects to Kakkanad or an expressway happens, we may not require a walkway.... But in our set-up, its more longer period to happen....

Perhaps, this model can be considered even in Fort Kochi or Eda Kochi, which is always reeling under inadequte public transportation.....

Ofcourse, we have a tendency to believe that something novel may not succeed, as seen in opposition of many projects including VMH or CIAL..... But if initiatives proves itself as a better alternative to existing chaos, surely there will be takers for it.....

mohammedirshad06

September 11th, 2011, 09:13 AM

തൃപ്പൂണിത്തുറ മിനി ബൈപ്പാസില്* കണ്ണന്*കുളങ്ങര ഭഗത്ത് വീതികൂട്ടുന്നു. ഇതിനായി കണ്ണന്*കുളങ്ങര ക്ഷേത്ര ഊട്ടുപുരയുടെ മൂല അക്വയര്* ചെയ്ത് റോഡിന്റെ വളവ് നിവര്*ത്താന്* തീരുമാനമായി. ഇതിനായി 18 ലക്ഷം രൂപ അനുവദിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ടെന്ന് മന്ത്രി കെ. ബാബു അറിയിച്ചു. ഇവിടെ കൊടുംവളവായതിനാല്* ഗതാഗത തടസ്സവും അപകട സാധ്യതയും കൂടുതലാണ്.

MATHRUBHUMI (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/1157411-local_news-thruppoonithura-%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%83%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%AA%E0%B5%82%E0%B4%A3%E0%B4%BF%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%A4%E0%B5%81%E0%B4%B1.html)

Land will be acquired for straightening the Tripunithara Mini Byepass project. For this, the corner land belonging to Kannankulangara Temple will be acquired. The govt has sanctioned 18 lakhs for this, announced Ports Minister K. Babu.

mohammedirshad06

September 11th, 2011, 09:16 AM

പാലാരിവട്ടം പവ്വര്*ഹൗസ് റോഡിന്റെ വികസനത്തിന് തടസ്സം നില്*ക്കുന്ന ഭൂമി ഏറ്റെടുക്കല്* തര്*ക്കം പരിഹരിക്കുന്നതിന് ജില്ലാ കളക്ടര്* പി.ഐ. ഷേയ്ക്ക് പരീത് പദ്ധതി പ്രദേശം സന്ദര്*ശിച്ചു. റോഡ് വികസനത്തിന് കെ.എസ്.ഇ.ബി.യുടെ കൈവശമുള്ള ഭൂമി ഏറ്റെടുക്കുന്നതിനുള്ള നടപടികള്* സ്വീകരിക്കാമെന്ന് കളക്ടര്* ഉറപ്പു നല്*കി.

കോര്*പ്പറേഷന്* കൗണ്*സിലര്* വി.കെ. മിനിമോള്*, കെ.എസ്.ഇ.ബി. എക്*സിക്യൂട്ടീവ് എന്*ജിനീയര്* കെ.എ. ഷാജി, അസിസ്റ്റന്റ് എന്*ജിനീയര്* ഉമേഴ്*സണ്*, റസിഡന്റ് അപ്പക്*സ് കൗണ്*സില്* എറണാകുളം (റേസ്) ജില്ലാ സെക്രട്ടറി കുരുവിള മാത്യൂസ്, പവ്വര്*ഹൗസ്*റോഡ് റസിഡന്റ്*സ് വെല്*ഫെയര്* അസോസിയേഷന്* പ്രസിഡണ്ട് സൈമണ്* മാത്യു, ജേക്കബ് മാത്യു, ഷാരോണ്* മാര്*ത്തോമ്മാ പള്ളി ട്രസ്റ്റി തോമസ് വര്*ഗീസ്, റെജി ഉമ്മന്*, ടി.ജെ. ജോര്*ജ്ജ്, ചെറിയാന്* ഫിലിപ്പ് എന്നിവര്* കളക്ടറോടെപ്പമുണ്ടായിരുന്നു.

Mathrubhumi (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/1157390-local_news-Kochi-%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8A%E0%B4%9A%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%9A%E0%B4%BF.html)

Collector visited the Palarivattom Powerhouse area, where KSEB is opposing the Powerhouse road expansion project. The collector after inspecting the site, assured that he will do all possible to acquire the land, for expansion of the road.

vu3nnn

September 11th, 2011, 02:09 PM

Perhaps, once a metro line connects to Kakkanad or an expressway happens, we may not require a walkway.... But in our set-up, its more longer period to happen....

If the walkway is a temporary solution, then it's better to connect Vytilla and Kakkanad with a metro line / elevated road. Considering the trouble any project takes, it's better to go in for a permanent and long lasting set-up. The effort required will be more or less the same for both. Funds apparently is not a problem. Marginal delays for a more robust and permanent set up is worth the wait.

...and it will take much more than entry fees to deter anti-socials from prowling the walkway!... and in no time, the stretch will be cramped with people who presently stay on the streets, who will be able to enjoy air conditioned stay for Rs 5/-, and the police will require a permanent set-up to evict them on a daily basis :-)

DileepKS

September 11th, 2011, 05:36 PM

mohammedirshad06

September 11th, 2011, 05:50 PM

No one is going to walk! I see everyday people take their cars (yes, they do pool) to lunch, when they go to the eatery less than a km away. I live at a place closer to work than my school used to be from my village home, to which I walked every day. But would I walk to work? I don't think so.

Might be true !!!! Often its circumstances + opportunities makes novel projects success..... In a prefect disciplined city having multiple public transport options which all keeping its schedules along with enough parking and congestion free roads, no-one requires any additional means/methods of reaching places....

But in a city, where congestion is order of the day, where public transport is inadequate and where number of roads/ways to reach a place is limited coupled with parking problems, we may have to think several alternatives.

Even 3 years back, I am sure, the concept of Puthran's Parking won't be success in the city. But today it has to be, because we have less ground for vehicles to park, naturally concepts like Puthran's Parking etc has to come up.....

I won't say, my idea is of top notch... But perhaps, it may be one of the thousands ways to solve the biggest puzzle/mystery, how to reach from Vytilla to Kakkanad in most easiest and less time consuming way......

Thanks for sharing your ideas here.....

e_arunsid

September 12th, 2011, 08:13 AM

Might be true !!!! Often its circumstances + opportunities makes novel projects success..... In a prefect disciplined city having multiple public transport options which all keeping its schedules along with enough parking and congestion free roads, no-one requires any additional means/methods of reaching places....

But in a city, where congestion is order of the day, where public transport is inadequate and where number of roads/ways to reach a place is limited coupled with parking problems, we may have to think several alternatives.

Even 3 years back, I am sure, the concept of Puthran's Parking won't be success in the city. But today it has to be, because we have less ground for vehicles to park, naturally concepts like Puthran's Parking etc has to come up.....

I won't say, my idea is of top notch... But perhaps, it may be one of the thousands ways to solve the biggest puzzle/mystery, how to reach from Vytilla to Kakkanad in most easiest and less time consuming way......

Thanks for sharing your ideas here.....

I dont think solution to kochis traffic problems is like mystery or puzzle..

Flyovers @ 4 junctions would solve traffic problems @ NH/NH bypass.Airport Seaport Road widening to 4-6 lane and extending it to Airport would further reduce the load on bypass. Goshree mamangalam road which is under construction is another solution as it will reduce the number of vehicles using banerjee road n noth over bridge to reach edappally. If these things are implemented and existing roads are made pothhole free we are safe.

DileepKS

September 12th, 2011, 09:54 AM

IMVVHO, just paving the roads properly, ie proper carriageway, shoulder, median and sidewalk would fix more than half of the congestion problem to the CBD and surroundings.

Building flyovers at the four major junctions will fix the congestion problem at and around those junctions.

e_arunsid

September 12th, 2011, 10:17 AM

^^ Exactly Dileep..

Btw..During onam I happened to travel a lot in and around thrissur and found the roads to be 100 times better than that in Kochi..Streches like Thrissur-Triprayar. Vadanappilly-Thrissur etc were not wide but the quality of tarring was awesome. It was indeed a pleasure driving there.

vu3nnn

September 13th, 2011, 06:57 AM

^^

Just returned from a Bangalore-Mysore trip.

Took the NH 47 to Bangalore. Kochi-Trichur is good, but not completely pot-hole free. Small deep craters make high speed driving risky. Trichur-Palghat is a nightmare. Walayar-Avanashi, work is going on for 4-laning, but is still in better shape than Trichur-Palghat. Beyond Avanishi, it is a dream. Could touch 120 kmph with ease. If the entire stretch becomes such, Cochin-Bangalore is possible in 5 hours!

On the return direction, from Mysore, took the Gudalur-Nilambur-Trichur route. Mysore-Nilambur is in excellent condition. The road is single lane, but lack of traffic and the Bandipur Wildlife Sanctuary makes drive a pleasure.

Nilambur-Perinthalmanna-Pattambi is HORRIBLE... much worse than any other road. Probably a reward by IUML to the people in the area for electing them :nuts:

Pattambi-Shoranur-Trichur, though narrow is EXCELLENT.

and Trichur-Cochin side of NH 47 seems to be better than Cochin-Trichur side of NH 47.

mohammedirshad06

September 13th, 2011, 07:25 AM

The trial traffic diversion, a precursor to the dismantling of the North railway overbridge (ROB) to facilitate the proposed construction of the Kochi Metro, passed off smoothly on Monday. While buses were allowed to pass through the ROB, light motor vehicles were diverted from Kaloor and Kacheripady junctions.

The trial run will be held till Wednesday to get a realistic assessment of the traffic disruptions that could happen during the demolition of the ROB. Despite the bad condition of roads, the authorities were able to divert traffic through alternate routes without much hassle.

"Though the Onam holidays are over, people are yet to get back to routine commute. In the coming days there will be more vehicles and commuters on the roads and then we will get a clear picture of the situation," said Kerala bus transport association secretary Suresh Oomen.

City dwellers who expected traffic snarls and chaos during the trial were cautious about using their private vehicles. "I was aware of the traffic deviation and knew that buses would pass through the North ROB. As I had to travel from Edapally to Thevara, I decided to take a bus. If I go by a two-wheeler, I will be forced to take the by lanes, which are in bad condition," said Geetha P Nair, a marketing executive with a city-based fitness centre.

Regardless of the inconvenience caused, commuters welcome the move to demolish the ROB and to construct a new one. "We need development and Kochi needs the metro rail. But, before introducing such alternate traffic arrangements, authorities should have repaired all the damaged roads. The movement of traffic would have been more fast and smooth. That would have cleared the bottle necks," said Betty, a chemist based at Kacheripady.

Even though the first day of the trial presented a picture of hassle-free movement of traffic, confusions existed at certain points like Pullepady ROB. Motorists who were heading towards Kathrikadavu from the KSRTC bus stand were diverted through M G Road. This led to heated arguments between the motorists and police personnel.

"I am denied entry to Pullepady through Chitoor Road. Now, I have to go all the way through M G Road and reach Kacheripady. From there I will have to proceed to Pachalam railway gate and go to Lisie junction to enter Kaloor-Kadvantara road to reach Kathrikadavu. The police have not considered these facts," said Ananthan, a businessman.

Apart from this, the toll-booth over the Pullepady ROB added to the chaos. Vehicles had to slow down and wait to pay toll. "Earlier it was said that the booth will not function while the traffic gets diverted. It is not about paying the toll, but if vehicles slow down, it can create traffic block," added Ananthan.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Traffic-diversion-trial-So-far-so-good/articleshow/9962931.cms

vu3nnn

September 14th, 2011, 06:58 AM

I am denied entry to Pullepady through Chitoor Road. Now, I have to go all the way through M G Road and reach Kacheripady. From there I will have to proceed to Pachalam railway gate and go to Lisie junction to enter Kaloor-Kadvantara road to reach Kathrikadavu. The police have not considered these facts," said Ananthan, a businessman.

Making both Chittoor Road and CP Ummer Road one-way will block off access to Puleppady. Only one of these two roads can be made one-way. But since only two-wheelers and autos are diverted, there is no real reason for any one ways. Simply ban parking on these roads and open up the Ambedkar Stadium for temporary parking.

Apart from this, the toll-booth over the Pullepady ROB added to the chaos. Vehicles had to slow down and wait to pay toll. "Earlier it was said that the booth will not function while the traffic gets diverted. It is not about paying the toll, but if vehicles slow down, it can create traffic block," added Ananthan.

The toll over Pulleppady ROB is simply not justified in the first place. The UDF themselves were in the forefront of the agitation to remove toll over this bridge when they were in the opposition.

Secondly, one of the possible unstated reasons for this circus of a diversion is to improve toll collection on Pulleppady ROB. Without proper access roads people are not patronizing this bridge, and one toll-contractor had earlier abandoned toll collection citing losses.

Trying to divert traffic through non-existent roads to boost revenues, if true is the handiwork of some sick and neurotic minds. (The Bund road between TP Road and St Francis Road through which West-East traffic goes is not a proper road - it is just a tarrred pathway to facilitate desilting of Perendoor Canal and the authorities have the audacity to try and make it the main road of Ernakulam!) Similarly St Francis Road, KrishnaSwamy Road and CP Ummer Road are all more of residential lanes rather than roads that can support main traffic.

mohammedirshad06

September 14th, 2011, 08:20 AM

Come sunshine and Kochi's roads will look better. If everything goes as per plan, Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) will need ten sunny days to complete road repair works and start dismantling the side bays of North railway over bridge (ROB).

Though KMRL had earlier announced that road repair works will be completed before September 12, the Metro had to step back due to heavy rains. KMRL, Managing Director, Tom Jose declared the trial traffic diversion a success. "We require two days of sunshine to start work. All equipment, machinery and labour are in place. On the third day we will start dismantling the bridge, which we will complete in 10 days," he said.

KMRL had agreed to repair 10 roads in the city before demolishing the bridge. This is to facilitate re-routing of traffic through alternate roads. The repair works will be carried out by Kerala State Construction Corporation. KMRL will spend about Rs 4 crore for this work.

KMRL has agreed to undertake repair works of Padma junction on MG Road to Chitoor Road, Azad Road, Pipeline Road from Karanakodam, Saint Benedict-Paramara Road and Rajaji Road. "We agreed to take up these works as the corporation expressed their inability to repair them," said Jose.

Earlier the Metro had agreed to repair Veekshanam Road, C P Ummer Road, Pullepady-Thammanam Road, Katrikadavu underpass and Pious X th Road.

KMRL had awarded an 18-month contract to pull down and reconstruct the ROB as part of preparatory works. "Though we have lost about four to five months, we hope to complete our work within the specified time," he added. Jose also said the proposed Kochi Metro project is yet to get Centre's approval. He is hopeful of getting the required approval before November.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Give-me-some-sunshine/articleshow/9975998.cms

Malayaali

September 14th, 2011, 09:13 AM

SA Road

Entering through Vytilla Jn

http://img824.imageshack.us/img824/623/16082011839.jpg

http://img850.imageshack.us/img850/3977/16082011840.jpg

http://img838.imageshack.us/img838/8049/16082011841i.jpg

http://img851.imageshack.us/img851/8831/290820111258.jpg

http://img225.imageshack.us/img225/9470/16082011864.jpg

South ROB

http://img585.imageshack.us/img585/7221/16082011867.jpg

Valanjambalam Jn

http://img200.imageshack.us/img200/1623/130920111424.jpg

http://img692.imageshack.us/img692/9972/16082011872.jpg

http://img839.imageshack.us/img839/3295/16082011871.jpg

http://img694.imageshack.us/img694/2097/130920111425.jpg

rkpai13

September 14th, 2011, 07:56 PM

DileepKS

September 15th, 2011, 02:57 AM

Yes, most of it.

I said it before and will say again. just paving the road properly will fix the traffic in the city, and building flyovers at four junctions will fix the problem near them.

But who will bell the cat?

mohammedirshad06

September 15th, 2011, 05:56 AM

Flyover: Topic of the thread is Roads, Bridges, Flyovers and Highways. But in our city, there are no flyovers. Flyovers which we claim to be ours are actually built by NHAI as part of up-gradation of National Highways. That flyovers too are there from Angamali till Kalamassery. But when you come into the real city limits (Corporation limits) there are not at all any flyover.

Railway Over Bridge: For years together Ernakulam traffic managed itself with only two railway over bridge. Now in recent times two ROBs came up Kathrikadavu and Pullepady. But sadly at the juncture when 4 lane was a necessity only 2 lane was built.

Is this not the reason behind our major traffic problems?

See Who considers Kochi limited to the maps of Cochin Corporation prepared in 1960s? Even Central Government itself considers Cochin City right from Angamally in North East to Aroor in South to Udayamperoor in East to North Paravur in North .....

These all are essentially part of Greater Kochi and Kochi city has grown massively. Its true, our city lobbies, have played their part well, to keep many areas out of Corporation limits to evade higher Corporation tax. After all, we don't have govt employees or NGOs to pressurize for Metro allowances!!!!

Its doesn't matter who built the road and what part of road network is it, as long as its patronized by city traffic. Today NH Byepass or Edappally-Aluva stretch is patronized more by city traffic than highway/intercity traffic.....

Naturally they have the utility of a city road... Remember, untill early 1990s, even MG Road itself was part of National Highway 47.....

----------

Railway Overbridge: Its true, that post independence era, our govts became so narrow minded and less visioned, that they can never think anything beyond 5 year term.... We must remember, the modern 30m MC Road was built just to cater 10 to 15 motor vehicles registered in the Travancore state, during days of monarchy.... We are really helpless as Kerala lacks a qualitive leadership. Perhaps, I see Ommen Chandy might be first one, since independence, to talk about a development for a 10-20 year period.... Hence, its worthless to comment more on 2 lane....

2 lane roads are also okay, as even in London or New York, many roads are still 2 lane... But its never as pot-holed as in Kochi.... If the roads are repaired, atleast 60% of congestion will go off...........

mohammedirshad06

September 15th, 2011, 07:02 AM

Buoyed by the success of traffic trial run, the city traffic police have decided to conduct a preliminary analysis of several byroads in the city to divert two-and-three wheelers once demolition of the North over bridge begins. Though various by roads between Chittoor Road, MG Road and Kaloor-Kathrikadavu Road have been used for traffic diversion, officials say there are some other byroads in the city which could be used judiciously.

City traffic assistant commissioner Muhammed Rafeeq said that a few more byroads are there in the stretch, which could be used by two-wheelers and three-wheelers to commute once the over bridge is demolished.

"We are contemplating a preliminary study which will enable us to identify the byroads which can be used by two-wheelers and three-wheelers. While some byroads could be used by two-wheelers alone, the other could be used by two-wheelers and three-wheelers. We have to look at various aspects like the width of the road and parking options on the road," the official said.

The city traffic police have been looking at various options to divert the two-wheeler and three-wheeler traffic from the North bridge after a one week study conducted ascertained that over 55 per cent of vehicles that ply on the bridge were two-wheelers and three-wheelers.

The assistant commissioner said that the traffic police have been able to identify certain aspects from the trial run which need to be addressed for the smooth flow of vehicles once the bridge is demolished.

"We noticed that movement of heavy vehicles mainly trucks through the by roads causing congestion. We will initiate a discussion with the authorities concerned to regulate their movement through these roads during peak hours. We will also have talks with the residents of the area to discourage them from parking their cars and other vehicles on the by roads when the traffic is heavy," the official said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Byroads-to-ease-traffic/articleshow/9988020.cms

manukarukail

September 15th, 2011, 10:24 AM

2 lane roads are also okay, as even in London or New York, many roads are still 2 lane... But its never as pot-holed as in Kochi.... If the roads are repaired, atleast 60% of congestion will go off...........

2 lane roads are okay provided the whole road is 2 lane. but that's not the case in Kochi.. take for example South ROB.. the approach roads are four lane, but the bridge is two lane which is creating bottleneck. not only South ROB.. almost all ROBs in Kochi(like ROB on Kaloor Kathrikadavu road, new ROB at Edapally, Thammanam Pullepady ROB) are facing the same bottleneck issue.

Even a layman like me can understand that a narrow bridge can create bottleneck, but our town planners can't foresee it:bash:. kannadachu iruttakunnavar

rkpai13

September 15th, 2011, 04:08 PM

Its doesn't matter who built the road and what part of road network is it, as long as its patronized by city traffic. Today NH Byepass or Edappally-Aluva stretch is patronized more by city traffic than highway/intercity traffic.....

My point was not that who should built the flyover. Where the traffic problem really mattered there are no flyovers fo example: Edappally junction., Vytilla junction, Kundanoor junction, ICTT-NH 17 junction in national highways. In the junctions of main arteries of city like MG road , Shanmugham road, Banerjee road, SA Road nobody felt the need of flyovers. I feel flyovers are of more helpful than ROBs in junctions.

2 lane roads are also okay, as even in London or New York, many roads are still 2 lane... But its never as pot-holed as in Kochi.... If the roads are repaired, atleast 60% of congestion will go off...........

Kaloor - Kadavanthra road is 4 lane. and a ROB of 2 lane (Kathrikadavu ROB) will it not create a bottleneck like what we feel in Banerjee road from Kacheripady to Noth ROB. or like South ROB in SA Road (This can be excused as it was built years before). If 2 lane road was there and ROB also of 2 lane a bottleneck would not have happened

mohammedirshad06

September 15th, 2011, 04:23 PM

My point was not that who should built the flyover. Where the traffic problem really mattered there are no flyovers fo example: Edappally junction., Vytilla junction, Kundanoor junction, ICTT-NH 17 junction in national highways. In the junctions of main arteries of city like MG road , Shanmugham road, Banerjee road, SA Road nobody felt the need of flyovers. I feel flyovers are of more helpful than ROBs in junctions.

Its true, that flyovers are missing in major places you mentioned like Vytilla, Edappally... The biggest danger I sense will be at Edappally Junction, where India's largest Shopping Mall is coming up and expected to be the key center of Shopping tourism in future. Parking and traffic, will make a disaster in Edappally soon.

Anyway, always PWD has mooted the plans for 4 flyovers (grade separators) at 4 busy junctions of NH Bypess. Since the PWD minister is a Kochinite, I wish to believe in his words....

In few stretches like MG Road, Banerjee Road etc, where is the space to build a flyover? We live in a Business city and its business men who rule the city. Will they allow they prime land to be acquired at fair value? Can any govt pay money according to market rates for MG Road, the most costly piece of land in the state itself.....

Hence there is no question of imagining such a dream.... The only one, I see a small ray of hope/light is South Flyover, which is planned, when South ROB will be pulled down. The South Flyover aims to connect from Manorama Junction to Church Landing road, passing over rail line, Valanjambalam, MG Road to connect to Foreshore road. Still it has huge hurdles to jump.

In near future, the city's CBD would move to Byepass road. In such a circumstance, we can even consider making MG Road, a heritage walking shopping district on likes of Bangkok/Langawai Shopping districts.

Kaloor - Kadavanthra road is 4 lane. and a ROB of 2 lane (Kathrikadavu ROB) will it not create a bottleneck like what we feel in Banerjee road from Kacheripady to Noth ROB. or like South ROB in SA Road (This can be excused as it was built years before). If 2 lane road was there and ROB also of 2 lane a bottleneck would not have happened

If they had such a huge vision, where would Kerala be today.... We have to face harsh realities of our govt's poor vision and sightness

rkpai13

September 15th, 2011, 07:47 PM

In few stretches like MG Road, Banerjee Road etc, where is the space to build a flyover? We live in a Business city and its business men who rule the city. Will they allow they prime land to be acquired at fair value? Can any govt pay money according to market rates for MG Road, the most costly piece of land in the state itself.....

2.4 km long JJ Flyover near Mumbai CST station near to busiest Crawford Market (Now Dadaji Phoole Market, I guess) was built when there was not even space to walk.

When Asha Bonsle came against a flyover in front of her house by telling she has to leave Mumbai if such thing came up, Mumbaites were quick to respond by saying development of the city is important than the individual interests.

http://findarticles.com/p/news-articles/dna-daily-news-analysis-mumbai/mi_8111/is_20100826/city/ai_n54944133/

If we are dreaming of Kochi to be like a metro such things should happen.

Will power of the decision making body as well as the general public is required for any development.

mohammedirshad06

September 16th, 2011, 05:32 AM

The civil line road which leads to Kakkanad, to the administrative headquarters of Ernakulam district, is choking with heavy rush of vehicles. The major reason for the traffic block is illegal parking and encroachment on the roadsides. The authorities have still not taken any action to resolve the issue.

The Palarivattom - Chembumukku road, also known as the Civil Line road, is a testing stretch during peak hour traffic. A year ago, the Ayyanatt Bridge in Chembumukku was widened to reduce traffic, but this has not helped solve the issue. The locals are now blaming the authorities for not finding a solution.

"There are a lot of illegal encroachments on the roadsides as many shopkeepers have managed to extend their shops with the support of local politicians. The authorities have not been doing anything at all," said Rajeevan, a resident in Chembumukku. "On most days, I reach office late due to the traffic block. To whom should we complain?" he asked.

Meanwhile, the authorities who are to resolve this issue, are putting the blame on the public. "People coming to the Chembumukku market and various shops, park their vehicles on both sides of the roads. For their own convenience, they are ignoring the convenience of others," said Baby Vinod, Traffic assistant commissioner.

Though there have been efforts from the Public Works Departments to remove the encroachments, it made no change in the situation as the encroachers had the support of the local political parties. According to P I Muhammadali, Thrikkakara municipal chairman, it is the traffic police who should find a solution to the traffic issues in the area. He also said that the encroachments are illegal, but the authorities are reluctant to take any action.

As the authorities and public play the blame-game, only one question remains: who will find a solution to the traffic problems along the Civil Line road?

Though there have been efforts from the Public Works Dept to remove the encroachments, it made no change in the situation as the encroachers had the support of the local political parties.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Peak-hour-traffic-chokes-civil-line-rd/articleshow/10000556.cms

DileepKS

September 16th, 2011, 08:59 AM

Well, that road carries enough traffic to fill a 4 lane highway.

It is easy to complain about parking, but what should be done with the cars? Carry it on one's head into the shop? It is easy to put No Parking boards throughout, but when it comes to provide parking,no one cares because it is difficult.

THEN, the same people put their flags in front of Reliance, blocking half of their parking space, and put banner on the same flagpoles complaining about parking menace!!

Another problem is the potholes at Padamughal. The main cause of block these days is them. If you pave the road properly, and provide sidewalk and shoulder, most of the problems will go away.

mohammedirshad06

September 16th, 2011, 09:01 AM

With the Kochi Corporation paying the first installment of the amount due to the contractors, the chances have brightened for road repair work under Plan Fund to be completed in a time-bound manner.

The Corporation authorities paid Rs 5 crore to the contractors association the other day. The contractors were also promised Rs 10 crore. The amount would be released before September 30.

According to the contractors, the civic authorities owe them around Rs 26 crore till January 2011.

Mayor Tony Chammany handed over the amount to the contractors. The Corporation contractors were on a strike for three months demanding the payment of the arrears.

As a result, the Corporation was not able to complete the repair work of the roads before monsoon. Later, the association called off the strike following the assurance given by the Mayor that the first installment would be paid before Onam.

“If the authorities keep their word, we have no objection in undertaking the work. The amount of Rs 5 crore that they have paid now is for the work done and bills claimed in 2009. If they do not pay the next installments soon, the contractors will not be in a financial position to complete the work in a timely manner,” said an office-bearer of the Kochi Corporation Contractors Association.

However, the Corporation is planning to complete the patch work on the roads once the rain stops.

The civic body hopes to pay the total due amount to the contractors before January 2012, when the tenders for the work under the Plan Fund would be floated.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/kochi-roads-to-get-a-facelift/184656-60-122.html

mohammedirshad06

September 19th, 2011, 07:58 AM

Amid clamour over inefficiency of local bodies in carrying out periodic maintenance of roads, the state government has asked the Public Works Department (PWD) to repair roads on a war footing. If all goes well, PWD expects to complete patch work and chipping work before November 30.

The government has allocated an amount of Rs 157 crore for the purpose. This is in addition to the Rs 470 crore allocated in the budget for repairing roads. The funds are for repairing roads which fall under Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode corporations.

Kollam gets Rs 9.44 crore; Kochi will get Rs 31.94 crore, Thrissur Rs 35.10 crore and Kozhikode Rs 40.00 crore.

Addressing reporters here on Sunday, PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju said city roads would be repaired on a war footing. "This would be a one-time work. Roads which lead to major roads will also be taken up for repairing."

PWD secretary Manoj Joshi said that roads, after pothole filling and chipping work, would last for five to six months. Once the roads are strengthened with BM&BC process, they will get an additional lifespan of five years, he said.

Stressing the need for periodical maintenance of the roads, Joshi said, "There is no maintenance contract for repair work. This clause is applicable for the roads strengthened with BM&BC process."

The state government has allocated an amount of Rs 20 crore to repair national highways. Ebrahim Kunju said the Centre had extended its support to develop Thrivananthapuram bypass on NH 47 and Kozhikode bypass on NH 17 to four-lane track on build-operate and transfer (BOT) basis.

The minister said the state government had demanded that the Centre should refund the money spent on repairing National Highways.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Roads-to-be-repaired-on-a-war-footing/articleshow/10034436.cms

mohammedirshad06

September 20th, 2011, 07:13 AM

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00786/KI20TOPOGRAPHICDXC__786835e.jpg

With the government fund for the Thamannam-Pullepady road widening project reaching the Kochi Corporation, the civic authorities have initiated the field work for the project.

A private agency, which was contracted by the Kochi Corporation, has embarked on a topography study of the road. The data generated from the study would be required for calculating the land requirement for the road project, said an official of the civic body.

In the first phase of the road project, the details of land that has to be acquired between Padma junction and Kathrikadavu will be collected. It is estimated that the civic body will have to acquire around 4 hectares for widening the road. The fund for the road project has reached the civic body through the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission. Though the State government has also offered to financially support the Kochi Corporation for acquiring the land, the funds has not yet reached the civic body, officials said.

The authorities would soon issue orders freezing the land on the flanks of the road so as to ensure that the land would be available for the project. The freeze order is expected to be issued within two months.

Meanwhile, an awareness programme on Transfer of Development Rights (TDR) was organised for the Standing Committee chairpersons and councillors of Kochi Corporation on Monday. Senior officials from the Greater Cochin Development Authority led the programme.

The Corporation has proposed to implement TDR for the road project where people surrendering the land for road development would be allowed relaxations in the building rules. They can sell the rights to third party or transfer the rights to some other properties owned by them. The TDR is being introduced to motivate people to surrender land for road projects.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2469404.ece

vu3nnn

September 20th, 2011, 07:44 AM

^^
This is a bit like reinventing the wheel. The survey was completed long back and about 50% of the land is ALREADY ACQUIRED and available. Only the tarring work is needed on such stretches, along with acquiring the remaining 50% land (mainly the bridge-Pulleppady Jn stretch which will be a new road)

mohammedirshad06

September 21st, 2011, 07:37 PM

The City Police are planning to restructure the sector division for enhancing traffic management in the city.

Despite facing acute shortage of hands, the City Police are going ahead with the move to increase traffic sectors. “The number will be increased from 12-odd sectors at present to 26, with one Sub Inspector in charge of each sector. The sector teams will be entrusted with the task of regulation, enforcement and investigation in their respective areas,” M.R. Ajith Kumar, City Police Commissioner told The Hindu .

The size of the sector might vary in accordance with the traffic flow. While one team will be asked to control the sector along Park Avenue, starting from High Court Junction and ending at Durbar Hall Grounds, another team will be monitoring M.G. Road, starting from Madhava Pharmacy Junction to Atlantis.

The area allotted to a sector will be smaller inside the city and will become larger towards the outskirts of the city. The City Traffic Police Division (West) will also include Mattancherry and Palluruthy wings, while the East Division will include the Tripunithura wing.

“This change has been brought in as part of the comprehensive plan for improving the traffic flow in the city. Preliminary studies show that not all roads in the city are optimally used by the motorists, leading to heavy flow along the arterial roads,” said Mr. Ajith Kumar.

In the later stages, the roads that connect four main roads – namely, Park Avenue, M.G. Road, Chittoor Road and Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road – might be made one-way to ensure free flow of traffic. Again, the problem that the force is facing is shortage of hands.

“One-ways and no parking cannot be enforced by putting up boards, policemen need to be posted. Most of the cases registered by the Traffic Police are against drunken driving and obstructive parking,” said V.M. Mohammed Rafique, Assistant Commissioner of Police, City Traffic (West).

“The number of personnel in sectors will be increased during the peak traffic hours in the daytime and three parties will be made available for emergency response during night. The finer details will be finalised in a couple of days,” said K.S. Baby Vinod, Assistant Commissioner of Police, City Traffic (East).

It has been repeatedly pointed out by senior officials in the force that the personnel originally allotted for City Traffic had been brought down markedly during the past decade. As generating new posts could be near impossible, the top ranks of City Police have been demanding reinstating the original strength or pooling the available resources from Armed Reserve camps.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2472183.ece

Malayaali

September 22nd, 2011, 05:17 AM

In the later stages, the roads that connect four main roads – namely, Park Avenue, M.G. Road, Chittoor Road and Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road – might be made one-way to ensure free flow of traffic.

:)

vu3nnn

September 22nd, 2011, 10:30 AM

The promised tarring work has finally started. Veekshanam Road is done and it seems to be a good job. However the real benefit will come when Puleppady Road, Chittoor Road CP Ummer Road and Rajaji Road are tarred in the coming days.

The residents however are in a spot of bother as the tarring has raised the level of the road considerably and most of the plots are now below the road level, and the area is prone to flooding in monsoons. Can't blame the authorities for this one though :)

vu3nnn

September 22nd, 2011, 10:34 AM

While one team will be asked to control the sector along Park Avenue, starting from High Court Junction and ending at Durbar Hall Grounds, another team will be monitoring M.G. Road, starting from Madhava Pharmacy Junction to Atlantis.

Monitoring is a good thing, but there should be consistency and clarity of purpose. For example, now a days right turn at Padma Jn or U turn at Rajaji Road Jn depends on the mood of the police constable deployed there! Officially there is no restriction on such turns, and when the police personnel enforce such ad-hoc rules at their discretion it creates confusion and needless hold-ups.

Malayaali

September 22nd, 2011, 11:12 AM

The residents however are in a spot of bother as the tarring has raised the level of the road considerably and most of the plots are now below the road level, and the area is prone to flooding in monsoons. Can't blame the authorities for this one though :)

When we have best examples from other metro's in India and world cities, where they use modern mechanized tarring system by peeling of the top layer of road before tarring, so that the road stays on the same level, i wonder why can't we implement the same here in Kochi?

DileepKS

September 22nd, 2011, 12:03 PM

Firstly, we tend to over economize, so spending money to remove the top layer will seem unnecessary expense. Secondly, it would be tough to get the machines in. Thirdly, it will take too much time to do it.

e_arunsid

September 22nd, 2011, 12:20 PM

Any updates on GOSHREE- MAMANGALAM road...?

RKPV

September 22nd, 2011, 03:05 PM

Is that really possible?? Through the densely populated Pachalam and Pottakuzhy? The Pullepady - Thammanam- Vennala - Infopark road is already marked but still imaginary.

mohammedirshad06

September 22nd, 2011, 03:27 PM

Any updates on GOSHREE- MAMANGALAM road...?

I too don't think, thats ever possible, considering the terrible density over this stretch.

e_arunsid

September 22nd, 2011, 03:36 PM

I too don't think, thats ever possible, considering the terrible density over this stretch.

Some kind of 4 Lane road work is happening on the goshree part of it..It starts in front of Prestige's Neptune Courtyard . I wasnt sure about the other side of this road,Thats why I posted this question.

vu3nnn

September 22nd, 2011, 03:43 PM

I too don't think, thats ever possible, considering the terrible density over this stretch.

I agree. An attempt was actually made to widen the Pottakuzhi Road (a portion of this stretch) some years ago, before the Goshree project was conceived, and ended in utter failure.

One possible option is to extend the Goshree Road now ending at Chatiath to Vaduthala by reclaiming a strip of the backwaters, and connecting it to NH 17 by a road parallel to the railway tracks, joining the Edapally railway Station Road. The proposed Vaduthala ROB will become a part of this road.

vu3nnn

September 22nd, 2011, 03:49 PM

When we have best examples from other metro's in India and world cities, where they use modern mechanized tarring system by peeling of the top layer of road before tarring, so that the road stays on the same level, i wonder why can't we implement the same here in Kochi?

Raising the road heights in these areas is actually good as these roads remain water-logged even with the slightest of rainfall. During heavy monsoons, these roads remain unmotorable, and raising the road height would actually solve the problem largely.

The problem is that Pulleppady and Karikkamuri seems to be actually below sea level, so the water accumulates. The natural slop of Ernakulam is west to east, that is why the drains rather than emptying out to the backwaters flow east into the Perendoor Canal.

Guess the only solution is for vacant plot owners to raise the ground height considerably before starting construction... and for others...... suggestions welcome!

mohammedirshad06

September 22nd, 2011, 03:50 PM

I agree. An attempt was actually made to widen the Pottakuzhi Road (a portion of this stretch) some years ago, before the Goshree project was conceived, and ended in utter failure.

One possible option is to extend the Goshree Road now ending at Chatiath to Vaduthala by reclaiming a strip of the backwaters, and connecting it to NH 17 by a road parallel to the railway tracks, joining the Edapally railway Station Road. The proposed Vaduthala ROB will become a part of this road.

I too had the same thing in mind. The entire cost of acquisitions, new roads and ROBs can be funded, from sale of land reclaimed from this project. The cost at Marine drive justifies for a huge amount.....

dpkanu

September 23rd, 2011, 08:57 AM

At a time when roads are in a pathetic state, the Kochi Corporation has come up with a bunch of lame excuses for not repairing them..

The Corporation on Thursday submitted before the Kerala High Court that paucity of funds, contractors’ protest and heavy rain prevent the Corporation from completing road repair and maintenance on time. The Corporation has also sought a time period of four months to complete the repair work of damaged roads in the city. :ohno:On September 1, the High Court had directed the Corporation to complete the road work with in three weeks.

Corporation secretary submitted an affidavit stating that heavy downpour and adverse climate conditions have affected the work. However, it has taken steps to carry out the work utilising the Plan Fund and maintenance grant. In many cases even though tenders have been invited the heavy downpour has obstructed the work, he submitted. The Corporation pointed out there was lack of sufficient funds to carry out the repair work of all roads within the Corporation limits, in a single phase
.
The Corporation has to pay over Rs. 30 crore to contractors who have completed the work during past two years.

The money could not be paid due to lack of funds. Due to the non-payment of funds contractors are on severe protest and even abstain from submitting tenders, the Corporation secretary said. He said the entire work was expected to be completed in four months. Justice Harun-ul-Rashid posted the case for hearing to Sept 27.

mohammedirshad06

September 24th, 2011, 06:00 AM

The construction of the Ponnurunni railway overbridge (ROB), which is expected to decongest city traffic, is yet to gain momentum as the Kerala Water Authority (KWA) has failed to fast track shifting of pipelines.

The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation-Kerala (RBDC-K) had awarded the contract of the ROB to Cherian Varkey Construction Company. "We are unable to begin the work of the ROB on the Vyttila side because of the delay in shifting pipelines," RBDC-K managing director M Beena said.

She said that the work of the ROB was progressing on the Palarivattom side and the piling works were over. "They have started erecting pier caps on this stretch," she added. The agreement between RBDC-K and the contractor is to complete the project by July, 2012.

Beena said that Rs 18 crore had been allocated for the project. The contract was awarded in April, 2011. If the work proceeds at the current pace, RBDCK expects to complete the project without encountering cost escalations.

"We have learnt that KWA has completed their tendering process for shifting pipelines. They are yet to begin the work. Further delay on their part will adversely affect our plans," Beena said.

Land acquisition has been pointed out as the main hindrance in the construction of the proposed ROBs at Atlantis and Pachalam. Earlier, the Railway, Kochi Corporation and RBDC-K had jointly prepared an alignment for the ROB at Atlantis.

Later, the Kochi Corporation changed the alignment of the ROB unilaterally. The Railways also objected to the new alignment as it would cut the railway line to Cochin Shipyard into two. The old alignment was reintroduced. The Kochi Corporation had sent land requisition order to the District Collector.

When the Kochi Metro Rail Limited pulls down the North ROB, the traffic in the city will be re-directed through Pachalam railway cross. "Before staring the main works on Kochi Metro there is a requirement to complete Ponnurunni ROB and also the proposed ROBs at Atlantis and Pachalam to facilitate smooth traffic movement in the city," town planning committee chairman K J Sohan said.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/Work-on-Ponnurunni-ROByet-to-gather-momentum/articleshow/10098576.cms

Malayaali

September 24th, 2011, 06:02 PM

Kundannur Jn

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/7224/170820111144.jpg

http://img716.imageshack.us/img716/4445/170820111129.jpg

mohammedirshad06

September 26th, 2011, 06:09 AM

The Corporation will soon submit a novel concept to the State Government to improve the conditions of roads in the city. The concept will be formulated out of the suggestions and recommendations made by experts who took part in the ‘Cochin Road conclave- for Better Roads Ahead,’ held here on Sunday.

“We will compile the major suggestions put forth by the experts and town planners who took part in the conclave within two weeks. Once it is done, we will document it and hand it over to the Chief Minister for the state’s consideration,” Mayor Tony Chammany said.

Briefing the media on the sidelines of the conclave, the Mayor said that the major recommendations include the introduction of designer roads and a scientific approach for the construction and maintenance of roads in the city.

“One of the major reasons for the bad state of the roads is that it lack proper design since a majority of them are constructed without considering the geographical specialties of the area. The experts pointed out that the conventional way of repairing roads is not a feasible idea for a city like Kochi which is geographically diverse,” he said.

The idea of ‘designer roads’ will help in constructing roads after conducting soil test and to design roads according to the geographical specialties of the area.

“For instance, in some areas concrete tarring will be more suitable. Further studies in this regard will help in classifying the roads according to their geographical specialties and finding a proper design to these roads,” he said.

The experts have also mooted the construction of the roads as per the guidelines issued by the Indian Road Congress (IRC), which is the premier body of Highways Engineers in India.

The Mayor said the civic body would also urge the state government to consider the allotment of Plan funds for five years at one go. “The annual allotment of Plan funds is Rs. 18 crore. For five years this will be Rs. 90 crore. If the fund is allotted in a single stretch, then the civic body could identify the major roads in the city and do the repair works on a guarantee basis,” Chammany said.

http://static.ibnlive.com/pix/ibnhome/indian-express.jpg (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/needed-designer-roads-for-kochi/187487-60-122.html)

Malayaali

September 26th, 2011, 08:14 AM

^^

http://img171.imageshack.us/img171/2360/58509146061158934510550.jpg
cc:Manorama

mohammedirshad06

September 27th, 2011, 07:15 AM

The demolition of the North railway overbridge will start early next week if the Kochi Metro Rail (KMRL) gets a positive report from the Kochi Corporation, Kerala State Construction Company (KSCC) and city police by Saturday about the state of diversion roads. Officials from the KMRL, traffic police, RTO, DMRC, RBDCK, NHAI and district administration reached this decision after a meeting on Monday.

The work on 4 of the 10 designated roads for traffic diversion has been completed. The rest of the roads will be completed within a week's time. Police have been sanctioned Rs 5.37 lakh to buy dividers, indicators and uniforms for traffic wardens. According to the KMRL officials, traffic wardens will be recruited by October 1 and training will start on the same day.

The shops below the bridge will be vacated by next week to allow dismantling work and a list of shop owners whose entry and exit are affected during dismantling of the bridge is being prepared to minimize inconvenience.

Half of the sign boards for traffic diversion have been delivered to the traffic assistant commissioner of police and the remaining will be delivered immediately. It is expected that the Kochi Corporation will remove lamp posts and advertisement boards on North ROB and KSRTC ROB.

Administrative sanction for re-construction of KSRTC garage will be issued. Also a high-level meeting of officials from the PWD, National Highways and KMRL would be held to decide on configuration of flyovers at Vyttila and Edappally intersections.:banana::banana:

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/North-ROB-may-be-razed-next-week/articleshow/10134086.cms

mohammedirshad06

September 28th, 2011, 07:25 AM

The badly damaged city roads are turning motorable as the civic authorities have initiated the road repair works. The civic authorities are planning to accelerate the repair works as climatic conditions have turned favourable.

Initially the repair of roads, of which tendering process was completed, started in the city. It was mostly in the central city area that the works were initiated, said Soumini Jain, chairperson of the Works Standing Committee of the Kochi Corporation. The repair works in the other areas of the city will begin after the completion of the tendering process, she said.

The filling of potholes in the Valanjambalam-Ernakulam Girls High School stretch began on Tuesday. The work in the central portion of the Pandit Karuppan Road between Konthuruthy and Mattammal will be completed shortly. The re-tarring of the entire road will be held after January using the funds from the People's Plan Programme, she said.

Ms. Jain said that the repair of the Thevara bridge road was also progressing.

The patch work repairs of the Hospital road has been completed. The Public Works Department will shortly re-lay the road using Bitumen Macadam and Bitumen Concrete with a guarantee of five years. However, it may take at least two more months for the department to begin the work. The delay in beginning the work was attributed to the time required for completing the tender formalities, officials said.

Besides the road works, the civil works in various divisions that were postponed due to inclement weather have also started. In some other cases, the authorities were in the process of stocking the construction materials, Ms. Jain said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2492420.ece

bijuarr

September 29th, 2011, 07:42 AM

An interesting notice.......

http://img28.imageshack.us/img28/3327/mard.jpg

DileepKS

September 29th, 2011, 08:40 AM

One problem I see with the thick BM/BC paving is that the potholes form with steep, tall sidewalls, causing more damage to tyres and suspension . The thin chipping carpet will not form these. Right now, we have plenty of those deep, man-hole type pits on the Palarivattom-Kakkanad road. I am sure soon enough I will have to buy new suspension to the car, and wear a brace for my spine.

mohammedirshad06

September 30th, 2011, 07:22 AM

Kochi has been alloted Rs 158.68 Crore for various road improvements/developments projects. The G.O in this regards have got cabinet approval. The Amount is alloted as part of Kochi Metro preparatory works projects. This was announced by Minister Aryadan in the State Assembly. The details of works to be carried are as follows;

1. Rs 40 crore for reconstruction of North ROB

2. Rs 37.42 crore for development of Salim Rajan Flyover and widening of Mullassery Canal Road

3. Rs 38.64 crore for development/widening of road from Jos Junction to South Railway Station

4. Rs 12.50 crore for development/beautification of entire 3.2 kms of MG Road

5. Rs 30.12 crore for development/widening of Banerjee road from North ROB to Madhava Pharmacy.

മെട്രോ റെയില്* പദ്ധതി നടപ്പാക്കുന്നതിന്റെ ഭാഗമായുള്ള അനുബന്ധ പ്രവൃത്തികള്* ഒന്നര വര്*ഷത്തിനുള്ളില്* പൂര്*ത്തിയാക്കുമെന്ന് മന്ത്രി ആര്യാടന്* മുഹമ്മദ് നിയമസഭയില്* പറഞ്ഞു. പദ്ധതിയുടെ കാലതാമസം ഒഴിവാക്കുന്നതിന് 158.68 കോടി രൂപയുടെ അഞ്ച് പ്രാരംഭ പ്രവൃത്തികള്*ക്ക് ഭരണാനുമതി നല്*കി ഡല്*ഹി മെട്രോ റെയില്* കോര്*പ്പറേഷനു കൈമാറിയതായി ഹൈബി ഈഡന്* എം.എല്*.എ.യുടെ ചോദ്യത്തിന് മറുപടിയായി മന്ത്രി പറഞ്ഞു.

നോര്*ത്ത് മേല്*പ്പാലത്തിന് 40 കോടി, സലിം രാജന്റോഡും മുല്ലശ്ശേരി കനാല്* റോഡും വീതി കൂട്ടുന്നതിന് 37.42 കോടി, ജോസ് ജങ്ഷന്* മുതല്* എറണാകുളം സൗത്ത് റെയില്*വേ സ്റ്റേഷന്* വരെയുള്ള സ്റ്റേഷന്* അപ്രോച്ച് റോഡിന്റെ വീതി കൂട്ടുന്നതിന് 38.64 കോടി, മാധവ ഫാര്*മസി മുതല്* തേവര വരെ എം.ജി. റോഡ് മെച്ചപ്പെടുത്തുന്നതിന് 12.50 കോടി, നോര്*ത്ത് മേല്*പ്പാലം മുതല്* മാധവ ഫാര്*മസി വരെ ബാനര്*ജി റോഡ് മെച്ചപ്പെടുത്തുന്നതിന് 30.12 കോടി എന്നിങ്ങനെയാണ് എസ്റ്റിമേറ്റ് തയ്യാറാക്കിയിരിക്കുന്നതെന്നും മന്ത്രി ഹൈബി ഈഡനെ അറിയിച്ചു.

Mathrubhumi (http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/1190939-local_news-Kochi-%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8A%E0%B4%9A%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%9A%E0%B4%BF.html)

mohammedirshad06

October 1st, 2011, 12:34 PM

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/roadworks2.jpg.crop_display.jpg

With the next spell of the north-east monsoon set to start in more than a fortnight from now, hectic work is on to resurface the potholed and nearly unmotorable roads in the city.

Kochi corporation has sought the support of government and various agencies in their efforts to repair the roads.

Repairing of roads in the central city area has already begun and some roads are being re-laid. Roads in other parts of the city will be repaired once the tender process is over, said corporation authorities.

Apart from the corporation, Kochi Metro Rail Corporation has also initiated repair work on the alternative routes prior to the demolition of North railway overbridge.

The patchwork repairs on the Hospital Road have been completed and the road will shortly be re-laid.

The repair work of the Thevara Bridge is in progress.

http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/city-road-repair-full-swing-602

mohammedirshad06

October 4th, 2011, 08:13 AM

The traffic on the Rajaji-Chittoor Road has been diverted for another six days owing to the repair work undertaken by the PWD. The traffic on this stretch has been diverted through the MG Road.

Rajaji-Chittoor Road stretch, which has been a nightmare for drivers and pedestrians will be repaired within six days. Many drivers, who were unaware of the repair work, had a difficult time as they were caught in traffic blocks. Owing to the diversion of traffic, there was heavy rush on MG Road. Vehicles were queuing up on Alapatt, Jos and South Junctions.

The traffic police were deployed in various junctions to ease the traffic.
According to traffic police CI M M Stalin, the police had been posted at various junctions on MG Road to smoothen the traffic. “The work is expected to continue for another six days and the buses plying on the Chittoor Road will be diverted through MG Road. On weekdays the rush will be at its peak in the morning and evening. But the police are working overtime to ease the traffic congestion,” Stalin said.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/traffic-diversion-on-rajajichittoor-road/189996-60-122.html

e_arunsid

October 4th, 2011, 08:29 AM

^^What kind of tarring are they doing..is it the same old useless one..:bash:

I happened to drive through chittor road during onam..OMG..its a real hell...By far one of the worst streches in kochi.

vu3nnn

October 4th, 2011, 09:01 AM

^^
Work on Rajaji Road, CP Ummer Road and Veekshanam Road is over. It is mechanized tarring, and a good job, but the problem is they do not seem to be adding the top layer which is necessary to prolong the life of the road. Without this top layer, potholes are sure to develop once the next bout of monsoon start.

Work on the drains is doing on in Chittoor Road and Pullepady Road, and tarring work will be taken up only after that. It'll take a minimum of two weeks and not 6 days..... and in any case the tarring on Chittoor Road (towards South end) seems to be the bad old stuff, not the mechanized one.:bash:

DileepKS

October 4th, 2011, 12:23 PM

KSCC is doing the Rajaji, CPUmmer, Veekshanam and a few other roads. They finished the BM layer. The BC top layer will be added in sections during night. This is as per report in Manorama.

That is not a problem.

mohammedirshad06

October 4th, 2011, 12:55 PM

The details of KSCC works was shown in yesterday's City Time

YAzPOsATP-0

But let me tell you, I feel totally disappointed after seeing the videos. The quality is extremely poor, meant to enrich a few contractors pockets....

Some Anna Hazare must come in Kochi, to make them things done!!!

DileepKS

October 4th, 2011, 05:40 PM

Can't agree with you MI. They haven't shown the paver doing the BM layer. they just shown the hole filling done before the BM. The DGM clearly mentioned that the BC layer will be done after all roads are finished with BM.

As a matter of fact, I really liked the way they filled the small pothole towards the beginning of the clip. The bottom layer was really fused into the substrate, and the mix is properly compacted. If BM comes on top of this, there won't be any problem.

The second clip shown towards the end looks a bit shoddy though. Can't really say if it would be a problem or not.

mohammedirshad06

October 7th, 2011, 08:14 AM

To give an uplift to the existing road network and to make roads more
durable, the Kochi Corporation is planning to introduce annuity scheme for the maintenance of roads in the city.

Under the annuity scheme, the construction and maintenance of the road will be allotted to an agency and the corporation will have to pay a fixed amount annually to them for the work. The success of the road work that has already been done under the scheme in the capital city by the Kerala Road Fund Board is another reason that has prompted the Kochi Corporation to opt for the annuity scheme.

Under the annuity scheme, the contracts will be more composite in nature and the responsibility of maintenance will be fully with the contractor or the agency that undertakes the work.

“If the quality of construction is not up to the mark, the developer will have to shell out more money later by way of maintenance. The government’s commitment to pay annuity could enhance the chances of developers getting loans on better terms,” say experts. The town planners also said that the benefits under the annuity scheme are, however, not without obligations.

“The annuity scheme ensures that the project is completed within the stipulated period and that the roads are operated and maintained according to specific standards. The annuity payout is linked to strict and standard specifications laid down by the government and the agency will have to obtain a certificate from an empanelled engineer before receiving the annuity payment,” they added. However, to do work under the annuity scheme, the permission of the state government is needed.

Apart from the annuity scheme, some other proposals were also put forward by the experts during the Cochin Road Conclave held here last week. These include developing concrete roads and designer roads according the geographical specialties of the areas. According to the experts, concrete roads will be a feasible idea in places with high density traffic and on roads which are vulnerable to waterlogging. According to the experts, if an ultra-thin white topping with concrete is laid over the bitumen roads, it will give more durability to these roads.

The civic body will compile these recommendations and they will be presented at the corporation council meet. Once the council gives its nod, the report will be submitted to the Chief Minister.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/corporation-plans-annuity-scheme-for-road-work/190727-60-122.html

mohammedirshad06

October 7th, 2011, 05:10 PM

lvCTxFHxY5o

After several reports of low quality works in name of Road development, finally we are hearing a good news.

For the first time in the state, Micro Surface Technology enabled road developments has happened in Edappally-Kalamassery area of NH. Thanks to the BOT Operators, who want roads to stay healthy for long time. They should give better publicity to such news, to make people aware, the money people spend as tolls, actually helps them to get better roads, than feeding scrupulous politicians and their contractor nexus.....

mohammedirshad06

October 9th, 2011, 04:56 AM

Bhoomi Pooja for commencement of Kochi Metro, started near North ROB. The preparatory works will start today, with Ernakulam District Collector, Sheikh Pareek breaking Coconuts at the railings of North ROB.

With this, first works related to Kochi Metro, started!!! :banana::banana::banana:

mohammedirshad06

October 9th, 2011, 11:21 AM

As preparatory work for the Kochi Metro Rail project, the left side bay of the North railway overbridge will be pulled down on Sunday.

The equipment requiremed for demolition are already in place setting at rest any speculation over the issue.

"We will start the demolition of the side bay on Sunday. Equipment including cranes are being shifted to the site from Manappattiparambu. We expect the reconstruction of the North ROB to be completed within 14 months,'' said Tom Jose, nodal officer, Kochi Metro Rail Limited.

Prior to pulling down the overbridge, the district administration has decided to enforce traffic regulations in the city. District collector PI Sheik Pareeth said the regulations would be for the downtown cars and motorcycles.

"The other bay will be pulled down only after the first one is completely reconstructed," he said.

Traffic regulations came in place from Saturday night in order to facilitate the movement of equipment to the site.

"There may be some relaxations during lean period. When the traffic flow is less, cars and motorcycles towards the city will be allowed to ply through the ROB,'' Sheik Pareeth said.

KSRTC and private buses will be allowed through the city. All uptown vehicles including cars and motor cycles will be allowed to pass through the North ROB.

Cars and motorcycles coming into the city from Aluva can take the Vallarpadam container terminal road from Kalamassery to reach High Court junction.

They may also take the Kaloor-Kadavathra road and take a left turn at Kathrikkadavu junction to enter the city via Pulleppady bridge.

They can also use the Kaloor stadium link road to reach Pulleppady ROB.

Considering the request of the Kochi Metro Rail Limited authorities, the Regional Transport Authority (RTA) has already decided to restrict the entry of all long distance buses into the city. And since then, all long distance KSRTC buses and super-fast private buses have been halting at the Vyttila Mobility Hub.

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/North-ROB-side-bay-to-be-pulled-down-today/articleshow/10287400.cms

dhanesh2k

October 9th, 2011, 01:47 PM

North Over Bridge side bay demolition work started. Video shown in ACV news.

DileepKS

October 9th, 2011, 05:21 PM

What I gathered from the news is that they just removed the hand rails, and the spans will be removed only after re-locating the traders underneath.

DileepKS

October 10th, 2011, 04:25 AM

mohammedirshad06

October 10th, 2011, 05:34 AM

The ചമ്മല്* അറിയാത്ത ചമ്മണി now blames DMRC for starting the work without informing him!! He couldn't move the shops in six months, and he is complaining!!

What did we do in the past life to get such gargoyles as our leaders!!!

The bridge will not go down for another month I am sure!!!

Its high time, a campagin should start to dismiss him and corporation and making Collector take over the Mayorship. In past, even to build this same North ROB, the govt did so, by dissolving corporation and made collector as Mayor.

But one thing is good, the collector is active and he done wisely by moving in machines and blocking the road. Naturally the traders will move automatically, rather than indefinitely waiting for Mayor to cooperate.

mohammedirshad06

October 10th, 2011, 05:36 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/10102011/10102011-md-ek-17l.jpg

mohammedirshad06

October 10th, 2011, 06:37 AM

http://img638.imageshack.us/img638/2189/3495638873bridge.jpg

എറണാകുളം നോര്*ത്ത് റയില്*വേ മേല്*പ്പാലത്തിന്റെ കൈവരികള്* മുറിച്ചു മാറ്റുന്നു.

കൊച്ചി: മെട്രോ റയില്* നിര്*മാണത്തിനു മുന്നോടിയായി നോര്*ത്ത് മേല്*പ്പാലം പൊളിച്ച് നാലുവരിയാക്കാനുള്ള പ്രവര്*ത്തനങ്ങള്*ക്കു തുടക്കമായി. ഇതോടനുബന്ധിച്ചു നടപ്പാക്കിയ ഗതാഗത ക്രമീകരണം ആദ്യ ദിവസം കാര്യമായ കുഴപ്പമില്ലാതെ കടന്നുപോയി. പ്രവൃത്തി ദിവസമായ ഇന്നു മാത്രമേ ഗതാഗതം വഴിതിരിച്ചു വിടുന്നതിന്റെ പൂര്*ണ ചിത്രം വ്യക്തമാവൂ. പരീക്ഷണാടിസ്ഥാനത്തില്* ഒരു മാസം മുന്*പു നടത്തിയ ഗതാഗത ക്രമീകരണം വിജയമായിരുന്നു.

എന്നാല്* നിര്*ദിഷ്ട സമയത്തിനുള്ളില്* നോര്*ത്ത് പാലത്തിന്റെ താഴെയുള്ള വ്യാപാരികളെ പുനരധിവസിപ്പിച്ച് പാലം ഡല്*ഹി മെട്രോ റയില്* കോര്*പറേഷനു കൈമാറാന്* കഴിയാത്തതിനെച്ചൊല്ലി തര്*ക്കവുമുയര്*ന്നു. നഗരസഭയുടെ അലംഭാവം മൂലം പാലം നിര്*മാണത്തിനു സര്*ക്കാര്* അധികം പണം ചെലവിടേണ്ടി വരുമെന്നു ഡിഎംആര്*സി പ്രോജക്ട് ഡയറക്ടര്* പി.ശ്രീറാം പറഞ്ഞു. നഗരസഭയുമായി ആലോചിക്കാതെ പാലം പൊളിച്ചത് ശരിയായ നടപടിയല്ലെന്നു മേയര്* ടോണി ചമ്മണി പ്രതികരിച്ചു.

രാവിലെ എട്ടരയ്ക്ക് പൂജയോടെയായിരുന്നു പാലം പുനര്* നിര്*മാണത്തിനു തുടക്കം. നോര്*ത്ത് പാലത്തിന്റെ ഇരുവശത്തുമുള്ള അഡീഷനല്* ട്രാക്ക് പൊളിച്ച് അവിടെ പുതിയ പാലം പണിതശേഷം നടുവിലുള്ള പാലം പൊളിക്കാനാണു തീരുമാനം. എന്നാല്* പാലത്തിനു താഴെ വ്യാപാരികളെ ഒഴിപ്പിച്ചിട്ടില്ലാത്തതിനാല്* നോര്*ത്ത് പാലത്തിന്റെ തെക്കുവശത്തെ കാര്യേജ് വേയുടെ കൈവരികള്* മാത്രമാണ് കോണ്*ക്രീറ്റ് കട്ടര്* ഉപയോഗിച്ച് മുറിച്ചുമാറ്റിയത്.

പാലം പൊളിക്കാന്* ഒരാഴ്ചയെങ്കിലും കാത്തിരിക്കേണ്ടി വരും. വടക്കുഭാഗത്തെ കാര്യേജ് വേ പൊളിച്ചിട്ടില്ലാത്തതിനാല്* അതുവഴി വാഹനങ്ങള്* കടത്തിവിടുന്നുണ്ട്. ഗതാഗതം തിരിച്ചുവിടേണ്ട വഴികളില്* ഇന്നലെ ആവശ്യത്തിനു പൊലീസിനെയും ട്രാഫിക് വാര്*ഡന്*മാരെയും നിയോഗിച്ചിരുന്നു. സൈന്* ബോര്*ഡുകളും ട്രാഫിക് കോണുകളും നിരത്തിയാണു ഗതാഗതം തിരിച്ചുവിട്ടത്. വാഹനങ്ങള്* തിരിഞ്ഞു പോകേണ്ട റോഡുകളുടെ അറ്റകുറ്റപ്പണി പൂര്*ത്തിയായിട്ടില്ല. രണ്ടോ മൂന്നോ ദിവസത്തിനകം അതു പൂര്*ത്തിയാകുമെന്നാണ് പ്രതീക്ഷ.

ബുധനാഴ്ച കൊച്ചി മെട്രോ റയില്* കമ്പനി എംഡി ടോം ജോസ്, ജില്ലാ കലക്ടര്* പി. ഐ. ഷെയ്ക്ക് പരീത് എന്നിവരുടെ നേതൃത്വത്തില്* നിര്*മാണ പ്രവര്*ത്തനങ്ങള്* അവലോകനം ചെയ്യും. രാവിലെ എട്ടു മുതല്* രാത്രി എട്ടര വരെ ഇനിയുള്ള ദിവസങ്ങളില്* നോര്*ത്ത് ഭാഗത്ത് ഗതാഗത ക്രമീകരണം ഉണ്ടാവും. കലൂര്* ഭാഗത്തുനിന്ന് നഗരകേന്ദ്രത്തിലേക്കുള്ള വാഹനങ്ങള്*ക്കു ഗതാഗത നിയന്ത്രണം ഉണ്ടാവും. ഇൌ ദിശയില്* ബസുകള്*ക്കു മാത്രമേ നോര്*ത്ത് പാലത്തില്* പ്രവേശനം അനുവദിക്കൂ.

ഇരുചക്ര വാഹനങ്ങളും ഒാട്ടോറിക്ഷകളും ഉള്*പ്പെടെയുള്ള മറ്റു വാഹനങ്ങള്* കണ്ടെയ്നര്* റോഡുവഴിയോ, കലൂര്* -കടവന്ത്ര റോഡില്* കതൃക്കടവ് ജംക്ഷനില്* നിന്ന് പുല്ലേപ്പടി പാലം വഴിയോ നഗരത്തില്* പ്രവേശിക്കണം. പുല്ലേപ്പടി പാലത്തിലേക്കെത്തുന്ന മറ്റു വഴികളിലൂടെയും വാഹനങ്ങള്*ക്കു സഞ്ചരിക്കാം. നഗര കേന്ദ്രത്തില്* നിന്നു തിരിച്ച് കലൂര്* ഭാഗത്തേക്കു പോകുന്ന വാഹനങ്ങള്*ക്കു തല്*ക്കാലം പഴയ രീതിയില്* നോര്*ത്ത് പാലം വഴി പോകാം. എന്നാല്* പാലത്തിന്റെ വടക്കേ ഭാഗം പൊളിക്കുമ്പോള്* ഇവര്*ക്കും ഗതാഗത നിയന്ത്രണം ബാധകമാകും.

മലയാള മനോരമ (http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/malayalamContentView.do?contentId=10210779&programId=1073753760&tabId=11&contentType=EDITORIAL)

Demolishing North ROB started as part of Kochi Metro Preparatory works. Traffic has been completely blocked and rediverted and railing and lamp posts have been removed. Current works for removing wires, cables etc going on.

DileepKS

October 10th, 2011, 06:47 AM

Looks like there are no shops on the east side. so, that portion could be demolished right away.

Malayaali

October 10th, 2011, 07:35 AM

Revolution change for Kochi! Let this be the beginning of all those mega developments the city has been waiting for :cheers:

vu3nnn

October 10th, 2011, 09:20 AM

KOCHI:�� After months of deliberations, the dismantling of the North rail overbridge (RoB) finally took off. But the clouds of perilous traffic snarls are still looming large over the city. People are still apprehensive about the major changes being made in city traffic.

The commuters seem to be confused and were seen constantly seeking help from the traffic police as they were not aware of the diversion. The ambiguous stand taken by the authorities of various departments involved in the RoB demolition has also added to the chaos.� Town Planning Standing Committee chairman K J Sohan said that no proper plan regarding the project was presented before the Town Planning Committee. “They have thrown every legal procedures to the wind,” he said.

According to Assistant Commissioner (Traffic) V M� Muhammed Rafique, the work was going on smoothly and there was no reason to panic. “We have successfully completed the traffic trial run and that too with the two wings of the main bridge closed. Currently, only one side bay is being dismantled. The other is still open. So there is no chance of confusion,” he said.

Contrary to the statement, the policemen who were� monitoring the work, were of the opinion that the city would witness more traffic snarls in the days to come. “The traffic is less on Sunday. The city will experience heavy traffic congestion from Monday onwards,” said a police officer, who was monitoring the work site.

North SI S Vijaya Sankar said: “It is a fact that there would be traffic congestion with the demolition of the bridge.� But this is the only option left behind.”� The traffic police admitted that they have a tough task ahead in managing the heavy traffic.

The apprehensions are mounting among the people as the major diversions which include the Thammanam Pullepady Road and Pachalam Road are also not in good shape. “Traffic congestion is heavy on the Pullepady bridge and on Pachalam Road, the railway gates are a major impediment. These roads will not be of much help in emergency situations,” said Sajeev, another vendor, who runs a shop near the bridge.

Kasim, another vendor, said that he has to travel a long way to reach his shop. “I am coming from Karukapilly. So I have to park my vehicle near the Lisie Hospital and walk to my shop. Or else, I would have to take a deviation through the Pulleppady bridge which is already congested.� They also pointed out that most of the bridges had taken more than seven years for completion, which is a major cause of concern in the case of the reconstruction of the North RoB also.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/endless-woes-ahead-for-commuters/191617-60-122.html

1. There are no shops underneath any of the side bays, be it north, south, east or west. All the shops are under the old bridge. They can very well stay put until the work on the main bridge starts, but the demolition and reconstruction will block off access to them.

2. The Collector / other authorities don't seem to show the same haste and enthusiasm in completing road repair works / Pulleppady-Thammanam Road work compared to what they show in demolishing the North ROB. They seem to be more concerned about the contractor's machinery idling rather than the inconveniences of the common man.

3. Till now nobody has clarified whether railways has given the go-ahead for the reconstruction work. Without this, there is no way the project can be completed in 14 months.

4. The corporation seems to be caught between the devil and the deep sea. On one hand is the pressures from influential lobbies that they cannot resist and on the other hand is the ire of the people who elect them if they succumb to such pressures, but except for making noises, they seem to have fallen for the lobbies. It was always a wonder for the young generation why the UDF could not rule Cochin Corporation for 30+ long years despite Kochi being a UDF stronghold and electing UDF MP/MLA's regularly. With just one year into their rule, we now know why! The cure seems to be worse than the disease.

Malayaali

October 10th, 2011, 10:24 AM

Traffic diversion in Kochi a success, say police
http://www.deccanchronicle.com/sites/default/files/imagecache/article_horizontal/article-images/traf_1.jpg.crop_display.jpg
Police officials divert two-wheeler riders at Lisy Junction to control traffic
during the demolition of the overbridge —DC

As the dismantling work of the two-wheeler bay of the north railway overbridge (RoB) have begun, the city traffic took a new turn from Sunday. Only buses and cars were allowed to pass through the RoB.

The huge number of two wheelers, auto rickshaws and light goods vehicles were diverted through alternative roads. And the re-routing was a big success, said the traffic police.

“Re-routing of vehicles was smooth and successful. Police personnel and traffic wardens were deployed in every junction and signboards were erected to direct the drivers,” said Mr. Muhammad Rafeeq, assistant commissioner of police (City Traffic).

Up to 40 traffic wardens were recruited to divert traffic. But, these wardens are yet to join duty, added Mr. Rafeeq.

In the absence of two wheelers and other light vehicles, buses and cars had a smooth drive on the Palarivattom - Kacheripady stretch, which is usually marked by huge traffic snarls.

Vehicles went through the Thammanam-Pulleppady Road to reach the Pulleppady overbridge.

Two wheelers and auto rickshaws took a left turn from Kaloor stadium to reach Karanakodam Junction on the Thammanam-Pullepady Road.

They then passed through the Kathrikadavu underpass, Pullepady Bridge and turned left to reach Krishnaswami Cross Road, entering M.G. Road through Chittoor Road.

DC Kochi (http://www.deccanchronicle.com/channels/cities/kochi/traffic-diversion-kochi-success-say-police-640)

DileepKS

October 10th, 2011, 12:24 PM

അമ്മേത്തല്ല്യാലും രണ്ടു പക്ഷം!!

No one wants to DO anything. They just want their egos polished. Things can get delayed indefinitely, and no one cares!!

mohammedirshad06

October 10th, 2011, 01:24 PM

അമ്മേത്തല്ല്യാലും രണ്ടു പക്ഷം!!

No one wants to DO anything. They just want their egos polished. Things can get delayed indefinitely, and no one cares!!

True:) Given a choice between inaction for sake of few cycle tyre traders beneath the bridge and action for sake convencies of Contractors who want to finish off the bridge fast; I would choose the latter.

Cochin Corporation members consists of a gang of petty small traders, who have their own vested interests, which is meant for keeping red killer buses, protecting MG Road lobby, earning petty kickbacks in form of patronizing inefficient road contractors and stuff like that. They have no vision or mission for any larger project and effective coordination for it.

The same attitude was that of Corporation, during construction of North ROB, as they wanted the railway gate in place, so that petty traders who benefit trade from vehicles stopping at railway gate. That time the GOK did a right thing. Dismissed Cochin Corporation and appointed Collector as Mayor, which resulted in construction of ROB in time.

The history is repeating, for the demolition process too. Only actors change, not the play. Its high time, Govt should dissolve Cochin Corporation and appoint Collector as President Mayor for next 5 years, if anything has to done proper.

mohammedirshad06

October 10th, 2011, 01:26 PM

I liked the Collector's attitude. He gave 2 months of time to corporation to act and found they are doing nothing, on the very next day, he rolled out entire machinery and boards and blocked the roads with help of Police. He is effectively coordinating things between KMRL and Kochi City Police. He did right thing, by kicking out Mayor from any coordination process after finding the Mayor is not cooperating in any process.

Good work Collector.

mohammedirshad06

October 11th, 2011, 05:17 AM

Collector's stern action, forced Mayor to act!!! What Mayor didn't do in last 2 months, things was done in just one day, when the Collector ignored Mayor and commenced Metro works in full force!!!:banana::banana:

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/11102011/11102011-md-ek-2/42352796.JPG

The objections raised by Cochin Corporation against demolition of Side Bay of North ROB removed by the mayor. The traders who were functioning under the bridge where rehabilitated.

From today onwards, the works will be carried out in night also, to ensure completion of new ROB in time.

With deployment of several Traffic police and wardens across the cities, the diversion is going on smoothly without any reporting of traffic congestion. Traffic became smoother at North ROB, which normally sees heavy traffic congestion.

DileepKS

October 11th, 2011, 05:43 AM

P. I. Sheikh Pareed IAS! Take a bow Sir!! You are THE MAN!!:master::rock:

e_arunsid

October 11th, 2011, 06:15 AM

WOW!!...Great 2 hear that work will be carried out day n night :)

mohammedirshad06

October 11th, 2011, 06:21 AM

After a positive news, there is another sad news for Kochinites

http://img689.imageshack.us/img689/2601/43154511.jpg

There will be a delay for Edappally ROB, as the approach road has not yet completed, due to multiple problems. As per original announcements, the Edappally ROB has to be opened for traffic by October last week. However chances are there, to extend the works due to non-compliance of approach roads. The bridge has been completed

vu3nnn

October 11th, 2011, 06:40 AM

The same attitude was that of Corporation, during construction of North ROB, as they wanted the railway gate in place, so that petty traders who benefit trade from vehicles stopping at railway gate. That time the GOK did a right thing. Dismissed Cochin Corporation and appointed Collector as Mayor, which resulted in construction of ROB in time.

GoK at that time messed up the North ROB big time. The initial plan was to start the approaches from somewhere near Kaloor and closer to Kacheripady, but pressures from traders resulted in the rather steep incline, and a 45 degree alignment that has since then wasted thousands of liters of petrol and commuters time, besides public money. The steep incline also made it difficult for two & three wheelers, which then led to the side bays at a different height, and in short a big mess, which made reconstruction inevitable (the metro simply is a good opportunity to do so).

True, a faulty bridge was better than no bridge, but the point is, the corporation is under the influence of various lobbies, the GoK / District administration is no different. It is only the question of one lobby over the other.

e_arunsid

October 11th, 2011, 06:45 AM

GoK at that time messed up the North ROB big time. The initial plan was to start the approaches from somewhere near Kaloor and closer to Kacheripady, but pressures from traders resulted in the rather steep incline, and a 45 degree alignment that has since then wasted thousands of liters of petrol and commuters time. The steep incline also made it difficult for two & three wheelers, which then led to the side bays at a different height, and in short a big mess.

True, a faulty bridge was better than no bridge, but the point is, the corporation is under the influence of various lobbies, the GoK / District administration is no different. It is only the question of one lobby over the other.

Even Now they should have done that...It should have started from Kacheripadi and ended some where before Kaloor.

mohammedirshad06

October 11th, 2011, 06:54 AM

Even Now they should have done that...It should have started from Kacheripadi and ended some where before Kaloor.

Thats impossible under today's circumstances. The GOK is yet to decide on status of widening from North ROB to Kacheripady, which is terribly narrow necked. On other side, each cent of land would value in crores. Its not possible for any kind of acquisition under today's rates and circumstances.

True, a faulty bridge was better than no bridge, but the point is, the corporation is under the influence of various lobbies, the GoK / District administration is no different. It is only the question of one lobby over the other.

Yeah, its question of which Lobby you prefer. Anyways, I don't prefer for ransoming a city, for sake for few cycle tyre dealers anyway even at cost of bowing slightly down towards contractors.

Anyway, I am happy to see, all the big stuff which Mayor used to talk about congestions due to diversions appeared to be false in last two days experience. Perhaps, the city traffic congestions got reduced due to diversions. For which Collector has to be applauded.

And finally Chammany made his real Chammal:lol:

vu3nnn

October 11th, 2011, 05:42 PM

The GOK is yet to decide on status of widening from North ROB to Kacheripady, which is terribly narrow necked. On other side, each cent of land would value in crores. Its not possible for any kind of acquisition under today's rates and circumstances.

well, without acquiring land to widen Kacheripady - North ROB stretch the entire exercise of reconstructing North ROB will end up as an exercise in futility. What is the point of a 4 lane bridge with a 2 lane approach road, which would further reduce to become a narrow one way lane after the metro pillars come up (then uptown traffic will have to go via St Benedict Road-Paramara Road as usual).

I agree it is nearly impossible to acquire land to widen Banerjee Road (there are multi storied building skirting the road there), and this is one of the reasons I am not particularly enthusiastic about this haste shown by the authorities in reconstructing North ROB. Ideally, the widening (or atleast LA) should have taken place first, and if that was not possible, the ROB reconstruction should have been in the form of an elevated road from Kacheripady to Judges Avenue Jn (or preferably till Stadium), with the metro taking the form of a median to the elevated road.

LA is not needed for an elevated road as the pillars could have come up in the existing road, and since bulk of the traffic would opt for the elevated way, the ground road could absorb the space lost for pillars. In fact there was a proposal for exactly such a road long before metro was thought of, but after the metro hype, such proposals received a quiet burial.

Another alternative was for the metro to avoid Banerjee Road and North ROB altogether by EITHER turning from MG Road to Veekshanam Road - St Francis Road - KK Road to rejoin the main road at Kaloor Jn, OR passing via Chittoor Road - Power House Road - over North Railway Station and Manipatiparambu. But all this is all water under the bridge now.

mohammedirshad06

October 12th, 2011, 04:37 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/12102011/12102011-md-ek-3/52515141.JPG

Banerjee Road widening process

vu3nnn

October 12th, 2011, 05:38 AM

Metro: meeting over road widening soon

District Collector P.I. Sheikh Pareed has said that a meeting of parties concerned will be held next week in connection with the widening of the road up to Madhava Pharmacy Junction as part of the preparatory works ahead of the proposed Kochi Metro Rail project.

He said that no major land acquisition is needed in Banerjee Road. Issues with the traders in this regard have been resolved. Markings have been completed up to Madhava Pharmacy Junction for road widening.

Earlier, some issues existed with traders over the widening of the road between Madhava Pharmacy Junction and Jos Junction for the Kochi Metro Rail. However, as per the present estimates, individual traders in this area would only have to surrender land measuring up to two meters. Road widening on MG Road up to Jos Junction is being undertaken directly by the DMRC.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2530205.ece

They are trying, but if the Padma-Thammanam Road experience is any indication, it'll take some doing. Let's hope for the best.

By the way, the newspaper reports the Collector saying no major land acquisition is needed in Banerjee Road. Fact is that if the road is to be a four lane one with space thrown in for metro pillars, MAJOR acquisition is needed, especially near the junction of St Vincent Road and Beerankunju Road where a few mutlistoried buildings touch the footpaths, and closer to Kacheripady Jn where St Antony's School occupies both sides of the road.

MG Road on the contrary would be relatively easy and does not require much LA - only the same resolve shown towards evicting the Manipatiparambu slums would suffice here!

Malayaali

October 12th, 2011, 06:14 AM

By the way, the newspaper reports the Collector saying no major land acquisition is needed in Banerjee Road. Fact is that if the road is to be a four lane one with space thrown in for metro pillars, MAJOR acquisition is needed, especially near the junction of St Vincent Road and Beerankunju Road where a few mutlistoried buildings touch the footpaths, and closer to Kacheripady Jn where St Antony's School occupies both sides of the road.

I too don't understand why they say, that no major acquisition is required on Banerjee road, while the truth is that, all those buildings on either side should be demolished to widen it to 22m. They even claim, that the road currently has a width of 17m, while its not even 10m, AFAIK!

DileepKS

October 12th, 2011, 06:32 AM

Well, maybe the collector is talking about the actual right of way. The buildings on either side must have encroached into the road to make it 10M wide. The school is not a big problem, since there are no buildings close to the road. But the old multistories with their sunshades protruding into the road will have to go.

Most of those buildings have a deserted look anyway. Maybe those will be demolished and redeveloped.

e_arunsid

October 12th, 2011, 11:28 AM

Venduruthy Bridge not ready yet

KOCHI: Kochites will have to wait for another two months� before they can use the new Venduruthy bridge. This is on account of the delay in the construction of an underpass connecting the Naval Base and Kataribagh for the exclusive use of southern Naval command.

“We are expecting to complete the work by the end of November and the bridge will be functional for the public from the first week of December. The work of the underpass connecting Naval Base and Kataribagh is expected to be complete within three weeks and the work on the approach road is expected to be completed by the last week of November,” PWD executive engineer T I Jose said.

Another reason for the delay in opening the Venduruthy bridge is the movement of pipeline that ran under the proposed approach road to the bridge. “We expect to complete the work by October 20. Almost 75 percent of the work is complete. The delay occured because payments were not made in time by the PWD and also due to the unavailability of the pipe,” said KWA engineer K S Babu.

Jose said that the estimated cost for the construction of the 626 meter long and 11.05 meter broad bridge was `37.5 crore. He also noted that the delay in the work and hike in cost of construction materials and labour wages had not affected the estimated construction cost. “We also revised `5 crore as the construction cost of the 24 meter long, 4.2 meter tall and 6 meter broad underpass from the southern naval command,” he said.

“Initially when the project was approved in 2006, the plan was to pool in one third of the total cost each from PWD, Port Trust and Naval Base. But later the Port Trust withdrew from the plan which led to suspension of the work for quite some time in 2007. But in October 2007, the Kerala Road Fund Board was approached for funds, which had helped to resume the work,” he said.

The old Venduruthy bridge that connects West Kochi and Kochi is now in a dangerous condition as cracks have developed in some parts and thousands of vehicles passing by everyday.

DC (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/venduruthy-bridge-not-ready-yet/192350-60-122.html)

New VENDURUTHY BRIDGE is expected to be ready in another 2 months time.

Malayaali

October 12th, 2011, 11:42 AM

New VENDURUTHY BRIDGE is expected to be ready in another 2 months time.

It was expected to be open 2 months back :nuts:

e_arunsid

October 12th, 2011, 11:49 AM

It was expected to be open 2 months back :nuts:

Bridge is almost complete. Work on approach road is the only thing pending...Navy came up with the idea of an underpass at very last moment which has resulted in this delay.

This bridge is of topmost importance as traffic snarl's at the very narrow old venduruthy bridge has become a routine.

vu3nnn

October 12th, 2011, 12:02 PM

Well, maybe the collector is talking about the actual right of way. The buildings on either side must have encroached into the road to make it 10M wide.

I don't think all the buildings in questions have encroached (maybe some of them have not left the mandatory 10 ft width from the road before starting construction - but it depends on whether they have approved construction plans), but in any case even if they have encroached, the PWD itself have legitimized such encroachments barely four months ago by constructing new drains and footpath on this very road (as part of KSUDP project)! Now if the road is widened, the entire expense of the drain / footpath goes down the "drain":nuts: Even as the drains were being laid, the first attempt to pull down North ROB was on. Wonder why nobody thought of the road then.

The school is not a big problem, since there are no buildings close to the road.

It will probably not be a problem now since the matter is high-profile; but around 15-20 years back legal action was initiated against the the headmaster or manager of this very school for giving away a few cents of land to widen the bell-mouth at Kacheripady Jn.

mohammedirshad06

October 12th, 2011, 12:51 PM

I too don't understand why they say, that no major acquisition is required on Banerjee road, while the truth is that, all those buildings on either side should be demolished to widen it to 22m. They even claim, that the road currently has a width of 17m, while its not even 10m, AFAIK!

Well, I believe, what Collector is talking about is from MG Road to Madhava Pharmacy Junction, which is already a 4 lane road with 17/18 m. So additional 2m would make it okay.

But the real issue is from Madhava Junction to North Overbridge..... There its only 10m and acquisition is anyway required. Do you guys believe, there is space to construct a pillar for Metro?

Ofcourse, the Collector is keeping a Mum.... Yes you can't have a Black or White characters in real life..... I think, this is a grey shade area....

mohammedirshad06

October 13th, 2011, 05:57 AM

mohammedirshad06

October 13th, 2011, 06:03 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/13102011/13102011-md-ek-2/32527213.JPG

Demolition of Side bay of North ROB as part of Metro preparatory works going on. Railings has been completely removed, while slab removal works under process. The side bays are expected to be demolished within a week, once traders moves out. The works of temporary shelters for traders at Paramara road is under progress. Within a week, they are expected to move down.

mohammedirshad06

October 13th, 2011, 06:30 AM

The Public Works Department will begin the repair of 11 city roads from Friday. The primary job of the department is to make these roads motorable and focus will be on filling the potholes in these select city roads, said T.I. James, Executive Engineer, PWD Roads Division, Ernakulam.

Earlier, the government had urged the department to take up the road works and support the Kochi Corporation in making them motorable. The government had also announced that the road work was being implemented as a one-time affair considering the bad shape of city roads.

The government had also issued orders to the department last month for carrying out the work.

The roads that would be repaired by the PWD are the following: Pottakuzhy Road, Sreekandath Road, Azad Road, Kalathil Velayudhan Road, Karshaka Road, Market Road, Rameswaram Canal Road, Panampilly Nagar Road, Kochu Pally Road, Forty Feet Road and Janatha Road. The department will spend Rs. 1.5 crore for the repair works, he said.

The Kochi Mayor had informed the Department that the civic body would be repairing Hospital Road and the Durbar Hall Road and hence theses were omitted from the list. The PWD will carry out the road works using the 20mm chipping carpet method, one of the traditional ways of repairing the roads, Mr. James said.

In the second phase, the department has proposed to upgrade the standards of the road work and re-laying them with improved specifications. The department would be spending around Rs. 30 crore for the road work. The road levels have to be raised so as to drain away rainwater from them. The inadequate drainage system was one of the reasons for the city roads getting easily damaged, he said.

The Department proposes to carry out the road work with a five-year guarantee clause where the contractor will ensure the quality of the road work for the term and will carry out the necessary maintenance works at his expense.

The improved road laying methods like Bitumen Cement and Bitumen Concrete would be employed for the road work.

The work is expected to take off in December after completing the tendering process and is expected to be complete by April.

The department hopes to throw open these re-laid roads for traffic before the beginning of the next monsoon season, he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2530610.ece

e_arunsid

October 13th, 2011, 06:46 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/13102011/13102011-md-ek-3/3291265.JPG

Goshree Bridges are going to be beautified with a sporty looks, better viewing facilities, ornamental lamps, tiled walkway, special tourism information counter and beautified better roads connecting each other. The project, once approved by PWD Ministry, will start and completed in 4 months time.

Much needed one..Due to the heavy construction that has been happening the entire strech from Marine Drive to Vyppin has become very dusty and pothholed. Since this has come from the collector and not Mayor I am optimistic :)

Malayaali

October 13th, 2011, 07:27 AM

^^

Mr. Collector has an aesthetic approach to development. Thank God!

mohammedirshad06

October 13th, 2011, 07:33 AM

I feel, a large monumental gate must be erected somewhere near Vypeen Jetty, as symbolic as Gateway of India or India Gate. It would soon turn into a Tourist attraction, a symbol of Kochi as well as a welcome gesture for luxury cruisers into the city.....

jithinmadan

October 13th, 2011, 08:03 AM

manorama has rendering:

^^
http://www.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/localContentView.do?tabId=16&contentId=10231216&district=Cochin&programId=1079897613&BV_ID=@@@

Malayaali

October 13th, 2011, 08:49 AM

^^

http://img405.imageshack.us/img405/3851/31052011787.jpg

Malayaali

October 13th, 2011, 09:41 AM

http://img72.imageshack.us/img72/7946/31052011786.jpg

mohammedirshad06

October 14th, 2011, 06:56 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/14102011/14102011-md-ek-3/35349296.JPG

Evaluation Meeting planned on tomorrow regarding the progress of North ROB demolition at KSINC Office by KMRL, DMRC, City Traffic Police, RTA, District Administration and Corporation officials.

Its expected that the demolition process of second bridge bay on right can be started by Oct 17, once repair works of side roads completed for effective traffic diversion. The works of Chitoor Road is most important for effective road rationalization and is expected to complete soon.

Meanwhile new slabs for new bridge as reached the Vallarpadam office indicating the fast nature of completion of new bays.

mohammedirshad06

October 15th, 2011, 07:17 AM

As part of development of Muziris Heritage Circuit 3 roads will be redeveloped with 5 year guarantee clause.

The new roads would be Moothakunam-Maliyankara Road, Pattanam-Puzhekathe Road and Chendamangalam-Gothuruthu roads.

The roads will be designed in modern standards with 40mm thickness and will be beautified with paved side walkways etc.

Since PWD announced that the road would not be allowed to be cut open for future pipelines in next 5 years, the KWA authorities have started laying pipelines in the area for water connections. The KWA also intimated local public that, they will not provide any connections in the stretch once the road works gets started. The public has been asked to apply now for connections.

mohammedirshad06

October 16th, 2011, 06:09 AM

ജില്ലയില്* പുതുതായി നിര്*മിക്കാന്* ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്ന മേല്*പ്പാലങ്ങള്* സംബന്ധിച്ച പഠന റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് ഒരു മാസത്തിനകം കേന്ദ്ര സര്*ക്കാരിന് സമര്*പ്പിക്കുമെന്ന് പി. രാജീവ് എം.പി. അറിയിച്ചു.

ഇതു സംബന്ധിച്ച് കളക്ടറുടെ അധ്യക്ഷതയില്* ദേശീയപാതാ അതോറിട്ടി ഉദ്യോഗസ്ഥരുമായി നടത്തിയ ചര്*ച്ചയ്ക്കുശേഷം മാധ്യമ പ്രവര്*ത്തകരോട് സംസാരിക്കുകയായിരുന്നു അദ്ദേഹം.

സാധ്യതാ പഠനത്തിനായി 1.25 കോടി രൂപ വകയിരുത്തിയിട്ടുണ്ട്. സ്പാന്* എന്ന ഏജന്*സിക്കാണ് പഠനം നടത്താനുള്ള ചുമതല. വൈറ്റില, കുണ്ടന്നൂര്*, ഇടപ്പള്ളി, പാലാരിവട്ടം എന്നിവിടങ്ങളിലായി നാലു മേല്*പ്പാലങ്ങളാണ് ജില്ലയില്* നിര്*മിക്കാന്* ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നത്.

മെട്രോ റെയില്*, മൊബിലിറ്റി ഹബ് പദ്ധതി പ്രദേശങ്ങളില്* കൂടി മേല്*പ്പാലങ്ങള്* കടന്നുപോകുന്നതു മുന്*നിര്*ത്തി നിലവിലുള്ള രൂപരേഖയില്* സൗകര്യപ്രദമായ രീതിയില്* മാറ്റങ്ങള്* വരുത്തുന്നതിനായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ടവരുമായി ചര്*ച്ച നടത്തിയ ശേഷമായിരിക്കും റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് തയ്യാറാക്കുക.

നാലുമേല്പാങ്ങളും ജില്ലയ്ക്ക് അനിവാര്യമാണ്. ജനങ്ങളുടെ മേല്* അധികഭാരം ഏല്പിക്കാതെ പദ്ധതി നടപ്പാക്കാനാണ് ഉദ്ദേശിക്കുന്നത്. ഇതിനായി പൗരപ്രമുഖര്*, ജനപ്രതിനിധികള്*, വിവിധ വകുപ്പ് മേധാവികള്* എന്നിവരുമായി ചര്*ച്ച നടത്തിയതിനു ശേഷമായിരിക്കും അന്തിമ റിപ്പോര്*ട്ട് തയ്യാറാക്കുകയെന്നും അദ്ദേഹം പറഞ്ഞു.

http://www.mathrubhumi.com/ernakulam/news/1221085-local_news-Kakkanadu-%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%BE%E0%B4%95%E0%B5%8D%E0%B4%95%E0%B4%A8%E0%B4%BE%E0%B4%9F%E0%B5%8D.html

Feasibility study reports about 4 grade separators (flyovers) will submitted to Ministry of Surface Transport- Govt of India, within a month, said Rajiv M.P

This was finalized after a detailed discussion by Collector with NHAI and other agencies regarding construction of 4 flyovers at highly congested Vytilla, Kundanoor, Edapally and Palarivattom areas of NH 66 Byepass.

A consultancy called SPAN will be doing the feasibility study and will report the details within a month. The intention is to set up 4 flyovers without imposing additional tolls over public.

mohammedirshad06

October 16th, 2011, 09:40 AM

Radar Cameras to be installed from Aroor to Karukooty stretch of NH, to avoid accidents due to high speeding, after opening of 4/6 laned highway roads.

These radar cameras will detected over-speeding vehicles from a distance of 500m and visuals will be captured. The car numbers will be immediately notified by the system and a notice will be send to the registered address of the car.

On completion of 3 notices, the car licence will be suspended.

NHAI and city traffic police will be soon erecting notice boards warning the presence of radars in the road soon.

Boxweltmeister

October 16th, 2011, 10:50 AM

vjkrishn

October 16th, 2011, 12:10 PM

yes you will be fined if you drive above 70 kmph. i was fined for driving at 76 kmph. its very difficult to maintain speed below 70 kmph in such good roads. we will have to constantly check the speedo as its very difficult to know the speed in modern cars without looking at the speedo.

Boxweltmeister

October 16th, 2011, 01:16 PM

mohammedirshad06

October 16th, 2011, 01:32 PM

As per the news, the police is deploying interceptors and speedstars vehicles across the highway. The speeding vehicles caught by cameras, will send an alert to these vehicles, that can be accessed from the vehicle's computers for which a fine can be imposed, once the vehicle is intercepted. But even without fine, once Motor Dept sends notices thrice, for fourth time, they will cancel the licence.

Ofcourse in India, you can scot any of these threat, if you have Rs 1000 in pockets and some big name on other end of the phone......

mohammedirshad06

October 16th, 2011, 01:35 PM

well, that is utter nonsense...!! 70kph speed limit is ancient, it's better to walk than driving at that speed...!! :)

Its ancient.... But thats how things work... NH is not a real National Highway, atleast in Kerala. For example, Aroor-Angamally stretch of erstwhile NH 47, is basically a city road than a highway. You have malls, hotels, restaurants, shopping centers, even murukkan pedikas in these stretches. Its impossible to fence it and make it sole highway.

So naturally the speed limit applies.. Atleast far better than 30km/hr limit rule in MG Road or other city roads.

DileepKS

October 16th, 2011, 03:29 PM

Well, you still have 25km limit at certain places. 40km and 50km are really common. 70km is the top limit, probably valid only in the stretches of the angamaly-mannuthy stretch.

mohammedirshad06

October 17th, 2011, 10:34 AM

The final decision of Kochi Ring Road Phase 1 to be fixed today. Chief Minister Ommen Chandy has called a special meeting with District Collector Sheikh Pareek, RBCK Chairperson Dr Beena, PWD Minister Ibrahim Kunju, Kochi Metro Rail MD- Tom Jose, Ports Minister- K.Babu and MLA from Kochi.:banana::banana:

The proposed alignment is create a 4 lane with a provision of 2 lanes in future from Vytilla Mobility Hub to Vallarpadam via Kakkanad, Smartcity, Kalamassery HMT Junction reaching at Container Road. The new road will pass thro' Thuttiyoor in Kakkanad and will solve traffic congestion currently faced by Kakkanad-Thrikkara belt.

The original meeting was fixed in Thrikkakara Collectorate today afternoon. However the CM's office postponed to evening today at Trivandrum and Collector as well as RBCK Officials will be summoned to Trivandrum for finalizing the meeting.

mohammedirshad06

October 18th, 2011, 05:30 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/18102011/18102011-md-ek-3/22155641.JPG

The CM and officials agreed to start the feasibility study of Kochi Ring Road Phase-1. The CM asked officials to submit the report as early as possible. Kochi Metro MD-Tom Jose has given the charge to conduct the studies.

The proposed road will provide alternative road access to growing IT Hub of Kakkanad. Currently the main road is from Palarivattom to Kakkanad via Vazhakala, noted for its terrible congestion. A second access road would reduce the congestion and help commuters to reach IT Hub easily.

The new road will start from Vytilla Mobility Hub and will pass thro' Infopark, Smartcity, Kalamasserry HMT Junction before reaching back to Container Road, creating the first ring.

mohammedirshad06

October 18th, 2011, 06:27 AM

The NHAI has started relaying the foundation of Container Road. Since the road was built on reclaimed island, the road built currently was a temporary facility to allow the soil to be settled. The NHAI started works in Mulavukadu, Poojnikara and Poonurunnimangalam.

The entire foundation will be relaid. The soil has been laid upto 6 feet high when the original road was constructed. It has now resettled.

The new foundation will be laid over the resettled soil by concreting the road and layering metal at 40mm using latest advanced methods.

The NHAI will also start works for making the remaining stretch of 2 lane road into 4 lane now itself, considering the traffic. The road is expected to be complete by end by first quarter of 2012, without disrupting traffic.

mohammedirshad06

October 19th, 2011, 06:05 AM

The State government is considering a proposal for setting up a ring road connecting the eastern parts of the city with the Vyttila mobility hub.

A high-level meeting, convened by Chief Minister Oommen Chandy at Thiruvananthapuram on Monday, gave in-principle approval for the project.

Tom Jose, Managing Director of the Kochi Metro Rail Corporation Limited, had been directed to assess the feasibility of the project, said Benny Behanan, MLA, who mooted the project.

With the mobility hub becoming operational and the city growing to the eastern side, a new road connecting the happening places has become a necessity.

Ideally, the ring road should connect Kaniyampuzha, Seaport-Airport Road, Infopark, Smart City and the Vallarpadam Container Terminal Road.

Traffic volume

With the commissioning of the SmartCity project, Kochi city would witness a sharp increase in the volume of traffic. Kalamassery was also being developed as an IT hub of the city and Kochi would need more wide roads in this context.

The existing roads in the city might not be able to handle the additional volume of vehicles, said Mr. Behanan.

A vehicle moving along the proposed 15-km route should be able to cover the distance in 10 minutes. The road should also be built as a four-lane one, he said.

The meeting, attended by PWD Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju and senior officials of the Revenue and other government departments, also directed Mr. Jose to look into various aspects of setting up the road, including the cost factor and the extent of land that would have to be acquired for it, he said.

Land acquisition

Land acquisition would be one of the major issues that would have to be tackled. It might not be possible to construct the road using government funds alone and funds from various sources needed to be pooled in for making the project a reality. Mr. Jose was also asked to explore the possibility of raising funds for the project, he said.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2550495.ece

Malayaali

October 19th, 2011, 07:40 AM

Edappally RoB tar-struck
Even as the proposal for a second RoB in Edappally is under way :), the opening of the main RoB, the work for which had started six years ago, is still lagging behind. “Presently, we are awaiting sanction from the National Highways division of the PWD for the amount of tar that is supposed to be used on the approach roads,” said councillor Mahesh Kumar. He said the approach roads have only been sanctioned 2-cm-thick of tar on both sides presently and that they had sent a revised proposal to the NH to sanction more tar for the road.
“Does not the NH authorities realise that if only 2-cm-thick of tar is used, the work on the bridge is going to be a headache as it demands constant maintenance works on a regular basis. A large chunk of the traffic in Kochi will go through this road which leads to the Vallarpadom terminal. There has to be proper planning for this or it would not be effective,” Mahesh said.
Also, the NH authorities are being blamed for not doing most of the work which they have been allotted.
“The Kunnanpuram junction which is presently congested during the peak hours has to be developed. The medians on the sides of the roads have still not been built. The NH authorities have failed to do that till now. We have also been bringing the issue to the notice of the ministry in the past few months. But nothing has been done in this regard,” Mahesh said.
NH Division Engineer R Rexy said: “We are awaiting the sanction from Delhi. Until it is received, we cannot do anything.” also, contractors complain that there are other aspects of the bridge that are being ignored by the NH division. “ Earlier, it was decided that side protection bars of the bridge would be made of concrete. But, now they are planning to put steel bars there. It is still a proposal. Nothing yet has been done on it. Also, the service roads which have to be widened before the opening of the bridge have still not been widened,” Rexy said .
Besides, the engineers and contractors are complaining that the revised estimate of the entire `36-crore project has still not been received from the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways.
The presence of a tower line is yet another barrier that is coming in the way of the smooth completion of the approach road of the Edappally RoB. “It was only recently that we understood that the tower line would be a hindrance. For the smooth flow of traffic on the NH, there should be a specific horizontal distance between the road and the tower line,” councillor Mahesh Kumar said.

IBN (http://ibnlive.in.com/news/edappally-rob-tarstruck/194310-60-122.html)

Malayaali

October 19th, 2011, 08:24 AM

Now another RoB!

Teething troubles for RoB on Salim Rajan road
Three months after its construction began, the rail overbridge (RoB) connecting Mullassery Canal Road and Salim Rajan Road is still having teething troubles.
Though most of the land earmarked for the project has been acquired, the project is stuck owing to the difficulties in clearing these areas. The residential areas coming under the project have been vacated but the buildings are yet to be demolished. Yet other areas need to be cleared of trees.
Currently, work is in progress next to the KSRTC workshop but authorities concerned said that the project will not be able to move ahead unless the hindrances like the KSRTC workshop are relocated. “But for that, a new workshop has to be built for the KSRTC. Since it is a time-consuming process, the project too has to wait till then,” said an official. :ohno:
The 300-metre long RoB, which has an L-shaped alignment, will have two lanes and will be 10 metres wide. The `37.5-crore project is intended to ease the traffic between the eastern and western parts of the city. The original plan of the project states that it will be completed in 15 months.

IBN (http://expressbuzz.com/cities/kochi/Teething-troubles-for-RoB-on-Salim-Rajan-road/324720.html)

mohammedirshad06

October 19th, 2011, 03:15 PM

Now another RoB!

Teething troubles for RoB on Salim Rajan road

These all are part of vested interests lobbies, both inside and outside city. Everyone has some petty reason to keep status quos....

Its high time for Collector to be given special powers for all activities related to metro, like how Kurien was given, when Karunakaran was CM to speed the CIAL's activities.

Else we will see some people crying to protect spanner shop or sari shop against multi billion worth Kochi Metro!!!!

mohammedirshad06

October 19th, 2011, 03:20 PM

Chief Minister Ommen Chandy announced that he will directly supervise the initial proceedings of LA for Vytilla-Petta road expansion. This was nessecity, after action council was formed and protests started against LA activities in the area. The main grievances of the action council is that, only one side is considered. They also aggrieved that the officials are now offering only Fair Value prices, instead of CM's announced Market Value rates.

The CM ordered to stop the LA activities now and he will visit the site, as soon as Legislature assembly sessions gets over. He assured that all greviences would be considered before final move.

CM also asked Collector to submit the report of progress of LA activities.

mohammedirshad06

October 20th, 2011, 07:24 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/20102011/20102011-md-ek-2/34958718.JPG

Second Bay demolition works to start by Monday. The delay caused by Corporation in resurfacing roads has cited out reason for delay in demolition of second bay. To avoid further delay, Kochi Metro has taken over works of Rajaji Road and Chittoor Road from Kacheripady to Railway Gate by itself and will complete it in next 3 days.
:banana::banana:
Kochi Metro also announced that it will finishes of completion of Garage works of KSRTC in Thevera in next 15 days and will make them move there, so that Salim Rajan Flyover works can be started.....

50% of survey of Kochi Metro lines in MG Road has been completed and Collector has requested for sending two additional teams to Kochi on war footing basis to complete the remaining process.

mohammedirshad06

October 20th, 2011, 07:33 AM

In our city, we are now facing the major issue caused by two useless departments

1. Corporation of Cochin, which is trying to delay 5000 crore worth projects, in name of protection of cycle puncher traders... Thank god, they didn't claim that demolition of North ROB, will affect several ladies waiting for luring customers there as side-business......

2. KSRTC which is trying to delay progress of 300 crore worth VMH in name of lack of tea stall and protecting a few Sari houses and book stalls of Ernakulam station.....

When will these organizations really grow up and see the big world outside their wells?

Malayaali

October 20th, 2011, 07:43 AM

:applause:

Salute Team Kochi Metro :)

e_arunsid

October 20th, 2011, 07:53 AM

:applause: Superb :)

mohammedirshad06

October 20th, 2011, 07:11 PM

B1k_ja4YQqE

Kadavanthara Junction

mohammedirshad06

October 21st, 2011, 08:45 AM

Now only 2 more spans of South side exists in side bays of North ROB. The works are underway to remove those two by today and tommorrow.

Its expected to start the piling works of new bridge bay within 2-3 days. Meanwhile once agreed by Collector and other officials, demolition works of other side bay will start.....

DileepKS

October 21st, 2011, 09:49 AM

DMRC sure is setting an example here. Compare it with what the corporation does, like the Elankulam bridge!!

mohammedirshad06

October 22nd, 2011, 02:01 PM

The dismantling of the second motor bay of the North rail overbridge (RoB) will begin on Monday. Along with the dismantling of the second motor bay located on the right side of the bridge (from Kaloor), the authorities are planning to start the construction of the new bridge on the other side.

“The demolition of the second motor bay will begin on Monday. Along with that, we are also planning to start the construction work of the new bridge on the other side,” Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) managing director Tom Jose said.

Meanwhile the demolition of the first motor bay has reached its last stage. Now, only a small portion in the centre part of the old motor bay remains and the authorities said the entire bay would be completely dismantled before Monday.

Once dismantled, both the motor bays will be reconstructed as two-lane tracks which will be opened for heavy vehicles. After remodeling both the motor bays to two-lane tracks, the main bridge will be demolished and two additional lanes will be added to the main bridge. The Kochi Metro Rail Ltd is planning to complete the reconstruction of both the bays within six months.
The North RoB is being reconstructed as part of the proposed Metro rail project. This is the second major Metro Rail-related project that was initiated this year.

The work of two major stretches through which the traffic will be diverted when the second bay is dismantled- the stretch between Rajaji Road and Pachalam railway gate and that between Pachalam Railway gate and Chakayathu Road - are also progressing. The repair work is being done under the aegis of the Kochi Metro Rail Corporation.

Though there was initial apprehension on the timely completion of the work, the authorities are of the opinion that the work will be completed within the stipulated 18 months. The recently held review meeting also expressed satisfaction about the progress in work so far.

http://ibnlive.in.com/news/demolition-for-north-rail-overbridge-going-right/195428-60-122.html

Malayaali

October 23rd, 2011, 02:58 PM

Three crucial road projects hanging fire in city
Three road projects that would have enhanced east-west connectivity in the city have been bogged down by delays.

The Kochi Corporation's efforts to widen the Padma Junction-Pullepady-Thammanam-Chakkaraparambu route (located on the Vytilla-Palarivattom Bypass) and the Goshree-Mamangalam Road into four-lane roads are yet to bear fruit, primarily because of delay in acquiring land. The 22-m wide road corridors had been included in the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) project.

The third road is the GCDA-owned Chilavannoor Bund Road that begins from Thykoodam bridge on the bypass near Vytilla, passes through Chilavanoor and Panampilly Nagar and ends at Thevara. Though this too was listed in the project, it failed to get JNNURM funds since it is tough to widen the narrow stretch into a 22-m-wide road. The three new roads would run parallel to Sahodaran Ayyappan Road and Banerjee Road, decongesting the two arterial stretches.

The JNNURM had fixed June 2012 as the deadline to widen the 3.5-km Padma-NH Bypass road into a four-lane one. But the road is not even two-lane now. A senior Kochi Corporation official said that land owners had surrendered 30 per cent of the total land to be acquired. “The rest would have to be taken as free surrender for which the State government has approved the corporation's transfer of development rights (TDR) proposals. The balance land, if any, would have to be acquired and the government has allotted Rs.25 crore for this.”

By invoking TDR norms, land owners would be given relaxations in constructing buildings. They could even transfer the same right to a different property.

The corporation is yet to correctly mark the alignment for the Goshree-Mamangalam Road which would have eased congestion over the Banerjee Road and areas north of Kacheripady. The TDR scheme can be used to acquire land for this road too, sources in the civic agency said. The State government had given the nod to acquire land for the two road projects using the Urgency Clause.

The GCDA is awaiting the State government's nod to acquire land for the Chilavannoor Bund Road. “With the JNNURM refusing funds, we would have to develop the road using our funds,” said an official in the agency. The proposed road's width would vary from 10 m to 15 m, depending on the availability of land.

The road would considerably decongest Vytilla Junction and SA Road since vehicles from Aroor would be able to take a left turn from the Thykoodam bridge and reach Thevara and MG Road. The National Highways Authority of India would have to widen the narrow underpass beneath the bridge.

“With more buses calling at the Vytilla bus terminal, Vytilla junction would soon grind to a halt unless alternative roads are developed. A master plan has to be readied so that the flyover proposed at the junction, the metro-rail alignment, and the skywalk that would link the metro-rail station with the terminal easily intersect,” the GCDA official said.

The Hindu (http://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Kochi/article2564750.ece)

dhanesh2k

October 24th, 2011, 07:26 AM

Work on North bridge delayed

The dismantling of the two-wheeler bay on the northern side of the Ernakulam North overbridge would begin only from Thursday, District Collector P. I. Sheik Pareed said.
This is because of the Kochi Corporation's delay in repairing the potholed stretch on Chittoor Road, between Rajaji Road and the Pachalam Railway Gate. The Kochi Metro Rail Limited would repair the road in another three days. The agency would also repair the stretch up to the Pachalam Chathiath Road.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2566554.ece

mohammedirshad06

October 25th, 2011, 08:07 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/25102011/25102011-md-ek-2/31521921.JPG

mohammedirshad06

October 26th, 2011, 12:30 PM

Works of relaying road on the second bridge of Aroor-Kumbalam Island in NH 66 HAS RESTARTED. The works will be going in full swing including night also to relay the entire road over the bridge. The BOT Company plans to open the bridge on 28th of this month.

vu3nnn

October 28th, 2011, 05:37 AM

The contractor engaged by Delhi Metro Rail Corporation has begun test piling on the north-western side of the North overbridge.

This is prior to piling works to be undertaken to rebuild the two-wheeler bays of the bridge into wider portions. “Non-working piling is on in an independent area, away from the new bridge's alignment. The portion that would be rebuilt would be 1.5 metres wider than the side bays being demolished,” said an engineer at the work site.

The dismantling of the bay on the northern side is getting delayed because the Kochi Corporation has been unable to complete repair works over the Chittoor Road on time.

The plan is to rebuild the two side bays as single lane stretches in another nine months. Vehicles would be diverted through them, following which the main carriageway would be pulled down. This portion will be rebuilt in another nine months.

The deadline for the Rs. 70 crore project would expire in another 18 months. The new bridge would have a gradient ratio of 1:20, making it less steep than the existing bridge which has a ratio of 1:14 (one metre height for every 14 metre length).

A DMRC official said that the agency has obtained the nod from the Railways to dismantle the side bay on the bridge's southern side, over the railway portion. The approach ramps on either side of the bay were dismantled earlier this month. “We would have to coordinate with the Railways and pull down the portion when there is no rail traffic.”

Referring to the proposal to widen the narrow North bridge-Madhava Pharmacy Junction stretch into a four-lane road, he said that the agency is ready to execute the work.

“We have already awarded the contract. Land has to be acquired and handed over to us. The bottlenecked free-left turn towards MG Road would be widened alongside the widening works on M G Road up to Jos Junction,” he said.

The tender to widen MG Road was cancelled since executing the work alongside the widening of the North bridge and Banerjee Road would cause traffic hold ups. “We would widen MG Road (by another two metres on either side) and the Jos Junction-South Railway Station stretch into four-lane roads, alongside work on the metro-rail.”

Encroachments on the stretches too would have to be removed. Work on the Salim Rajan Road flyover will be over in another 14 months.

http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/tp-kerala/article2575800.ece

A DMRC official said that the agency has obtained the nod from the Railways to dismantle the side bay on the bridge's southern side, over the railway portion.

This comes as a big relief. Even yesterday I could see the span over the railways standing untouched even as both the approaches are dismantled completely and piling machines in place.

The last major obstacle to reconstruction is now apparently clear.

(edit: Times of India has a slightly different take on the issue: apparently written permission is yet to come.
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/kochi/KMRL-denies-opening-bank-acct-at-Kollam/articleshow/10514004.cms.)

If all goes well, work on at least the side bridges should be over before next Onam season. Though single lane each, these will have decent width and gradient, and as such will be able to cater to the traffic reasonably without the present restrictions (perhaps except during morning and evening peak hours).

mohammedirshad06

October 29th, 2011, 07:15 AM

http://epaper.mathrubhumi.com/epaperimages/29102011/29102011-md-ek-5/134538511.JPG

Preparatory works would be completed in next 14 months, said Metro MD Tom Jose. The works for constructing first track of North ROB will commence on Monday while demolition of second track of ROB will also start at the same time. The works of Salim Rajan Flyover is also going in full swing. Works of side roads will be completed in 2 or 3 days.

dhanesh2k

October 29th, 2011, 04:22 PM

Logo designing for metro rail

The Kochi Metro Rail Limited has invited entries from students for designing a logo for the metro rail project.
The agency's managing director Tom Jose said that students aged 10 to 18 years could participate. The last date to apply is November 15. The hand-drawn logo can be scanned and sent to logodesign@kochimetro.org in jpeg or tiff format. It can also be sent by post to KMRL, Floor 8, Revenue Tower, Park Avenue, Kochi – 682011. For details, call 98467 24000 or visit www.kochimetro.org (http://www.kochimetro.org).

dhanesh2k

October 30th, 2011, 05:48 AM

Kochi metro rail to be completed in three and a half years

Care taken to prevent any sort of pollution: Sreedharan

http://www.thehindu.com/multimedia/dynamic/00821/30TVKI_METRO_RAIL_G_821818e.jpg
FAST-TRACK MODE: Managing Director of the Delhi Metro Rail Corporation E. Sreedharan at the site where the DMRC is engaged in the widening of the Ernakulam North Overbridge on Saturday.

The Delhi Metro Rail Corporation (DMRC) would execute the Kochi metro-rail project in three-and-a-half years. An assurance on the same has been given to Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, the agency's managing director, E. Sreedharan said.
This is because the DMRC has the wherewithal to do so through its own style of functioning, he said, while speaking to The Hindu here on Saturday. “Independent contractors will simultaneously carry out civil and other works at different sections in the alignment, including setting up of metro stations and a coach depot at Muttom, near Aluva.”
“Our style of work was evident when the two-wheeler bay on the southern side of the North bridge was meticulously pulled down in less than a fortnight without affecting traffic flow. Utmost care is taken to prevent any sort of pollution and inconvenience to the public when our construction works are on,” Mr. Sreedharan said.
Advantages
On the new image that the project would bestow on Kochi, he said that this mode of mass rapid transport would provide commuters with a very convenient mode of travel. “They will not have to put up with traffic congestion and polluted, dusty roads. Initially, trains having three coaches will ply every six or seven minutes. The trains will be increased based on the passenger patronage.”
The metro would have two electricity sub stations of its own. One of them will be activated if the other fails. “We can function with 10 or 12 MW of power from the KSEB. The tariff will be fixed by the power tariff regulator.”
Delhi metro
He said that 18 lakh people use the metro each day. They would otherwise have required 200 trains plying 3,000 daily trips in the city or a total of 3,000 more buses. Referring to concerns about traffic flow along the MG Road being affected when the work begins, Mr. Sreedharan said the police could either permit vehicles through one lane on either side, or the road could be made one way. All prominent roads, including the MG Road, would be widened.
The pillars-located every 25 metres- would be just above a metre wide and the coaches would be 2.70 metres wide. Kochi would have a light metro-rail.
Central nod
Speaking about the nod from the Union Cabinet for the project, he said that this is expected in another month.
Earlier, he visited the North bridge where the widening work is on. Though more piling (as compared to other metros) would have to be done because of the peculiarities of Kochi's soil, the project would be completed before deadline. The contractor has been asked to begin reconstruction of the North over-bridge's southern side bay from Sunday.
MD of Kochi Metro Rail Limited Tom Jose said the bridge's northern bay would be pulled down in a few days.http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/tp-national/article2581930.ece