Kochi on the fast lane

KOCHI: Various stake holders in the city’s overall development will join hands with the Corporation to implement infrastructure projects on a war footing. The decision in this regard was taken at the meeting of the budget implementation unit held here on Monday at the Corporation Council Hall. The representatives of the commercial bodies, including Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry (KCCI), Confederation of Indian Industry (CII), Inkel, Kerala Industrial and Technical Consultancy Organisation (KITCO) and Growth Progress and Development (GPD) have expressed their willingness to undertake  various development projects at the meeting.“Accordingly, KCCI will co-operate with the  civic body in the development and maintenance of North-South road corridor. The CII will support the Corporation in its efforts to clean the canals on a timely basis, along with its beautification. Water-logging is one of the key issues. The decision by the CII will help in cleaning the canals in a time-bound manner,” said Deputy Mayor B Bhadra.A detailed project report (DPR) for the development of the stretch between Vyttila Mobility Hub and Kunnara park will be prepared by KITCO. Earlier, the Indian Institute of Architects (IIA) Kochi chapter had expressed its willingness to prepare a DPR for the city space improvement project mooted by the Corporation. On the basis of the DPR, the Shanmugham Road will be modified into a model road with  designer footpaths, lighting system and foot overbridges. The IIA will also prepare detailed project reports for renovating the libraries under the Corporation. Inkel will go hand in hand with the Corporation in five major projects. The agency, Growth Progress & Development, will help in implementing the project for renovating the Subhash Chandra Bose park. The Budget Implementation Committee was constituted by the Corporation to ensure that the proposals in its annual budget are implemented in a time-bound manner. The committee will consist of Corporation officials and various stakeholders including the Mayor, Deputy Mayor and standing committee chairmen along with representatives of various business organisations and residents’ associations.