The State Government is considering a Rs 3,000-crore project proposal for construction of new roads in the city, PWD Minister V.K. Ebrahim Kunju has said.
This includes construction of new roads connecting Kalamassery, Thrikkakara and the city.
The Minister was speaking after inaugurating the renovation work of the Kakkanad-Palarivattom Road here.
The Government has initiated steps to boost infrastructure development activities in the city, which has come to a halt owing to non-cooperation of the public. There was opposition from various quarters even for the feasibility survey carried out for flyover projects in the city.
The Minister said that construction of flyovers is the only solution to reduce traffic snarls in the city.
He said BOT projects can be avoided by issuing subsidy and grants for various projects. The Minister also promised government aid for renovation work at the Palarivattom junction, which would be carried out by the GCDA.
The government has allotted Rs 30 crore for the repair of various roads in the Thrikkakkara constituency. There are also plans to lay tiles on the footpath at Palarivattom.
Union Minister of State for Consumer Affairs Prof K.V. Thomas suggested construction of flyovers at important junctions in the city to avoid traffic blocks. He was of the view that the implementation of the Kochi Metro Rail project would not solve the traffic issues in the city.
The Minister also supported the Government decision to collect a toll from the public.
Referring to renovation of Kakkanad- Palarivattam road, the district administration officials said that the Government has allotted Rs 10 crore for the work. Of this, re-tarring works would be carried out with a fund of Rs 8.4 crore.
The width of the road will be increased up to 14 metres. A sum of Rs 1.6 crore will be spent for the drainage system and laying footpaths on both sides of the road.