KOCHI: The residents of Edapally fear that the opening of the main ROB connecting Edappally to the national highway would be more of a bane than a boon. They reason that once the ROB starts functioning, the railway gate on the road that connects Edappally with Kalamassery would be closed and people in Edappally would be forced to travel at least 5 km to reach other parts of the city.This is one of the main reasons why Edappally Residents Association is praying that the government would speed up the process of building the flyover, (the second ROB) which would connect Edappally and Ponnekkara roads and the Ponnekkara-Cheranellore road, near the Amritha Institute of Medical Sciences.Residents association convener Francis K A said, “The construction of the flyover is the need of the hour because people who travel to and fro from Edappally use this route.”The saddest part is the plight of the thousands of patients in the locality who make use of the AIIMS hospital, the only hospital close by.“Patients who come from Ponnekkara have to cross at least seven railway tracks if they have to reach the hospital. It is disheartening to see mothers carrying their babies and crossing under a parked train.”Many people died because they could not be taken to the hospital in time because of the parked trains delayed them. AIIMS safety officer, Babu Rajan said, "two months ago, a girl died near the premises of AIIMS because she could not reach the hospital in time. Such deaths have become common.”He said that unless the flyover work commences and is completed fast, life for the people in Edappally and patients would be difficult.The idea for the flyover was mooted by the government in May taking into consideration the problems of the people of Edappally. Also, an order has been passed, but there is no mention of funds for building the flyover in this year’s budget. “PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju said in a meeting last month that he would provide the funds necessary for the overbridge, but the government has the last word.”Other sources said, “Our MLAs had promised to hold a meeting regarding the matter after Onam but nothing has been done.”The association is planning to submit a memorandum to the Railway Minister who would be visiting the state on September 19.
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