The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) on Friday received a shot in the arm when Chief Minister,gave the agency the nod to go ahead with its long-cherished ring road project.The Greater Cochin Development Authority has initiated steps for extension of Marine Drive up to Varappuzha as part of the development plan for the city. The State government has given in-principle approval for the Phase 2 development of Marine Drive. The GCDA will entrust private agencies to prepare a preliminary report and an environment impact study as part of the project. According to GCDA officials, Phase 2 extension plan of Marine Drive will be implemented at the 2.5-km stretch, which will be reclaimed between the proposed GIDA office and Vaduthala. The proposed Phase 2 expansion project is part of Vision 2030 programme drafted by GCDA as part of its mission to transform Kochi into a global metro-scape. The project also includes the construction of a World Trade Centre, International Convention Centre, Entertainment Zone etc on the reclaimed land. GCDA plans to implement the project on PPP mode. The GCDA officials have already conducted site inspection of the land to be reclaimed for the purpose. Once the state government gives its approval for the preliminary report, tenders will be floated for detailed project report, the officials said. The DPR will also include construction of a ring road and walkways up to Varappuzha. The 10.5 km ring road will connect suburban areas of Vaduthala, Kadamakkudi, Cheranallore and Varappuzha. The road will have a width of 3.5 metre. The beautification project also know as Cochin Marine Drive Scheme (CMDS) Phase 2 also envisaged various entertainment facilities such as oceanarium, laser shows etc. GCDA had earlier held discussion with an expert team to plan for Vision 2030. Representatives of various local bodies had discussed plans to give final shape to Vision 2030. The proposed ring road starts from Chathyath near the Goshree Bridge at Marine Drive and connects Vaduthala, Chittoor, Kothad, Chennoor, Thutthukkadavu, before crossing the national highway at Varapuzha and the Seaport-Airport Road, to connect Keezhmad and Puthencruz before ending at Panangad along NH 47 via Udayamperur and Kumbalam. The first phase till Vaduthala of the 64-kilometer road would be built on pillars since permission to fill backwaters has not been granted. The road has been envisaged as four-lane in the first phase, which is likely to cost about Rs. 360 crore. The second phase would be from Cheranalloor to Varapuzha and the third phase from NH 17 to Athani at NH 47. http://www.thehindu.com/todays-paper/ring-road-plan-for-kochi-gets-approval/article6532324.ece http://www.thehindubusinessline.com/economy/logistics/kochi-marine-drive-to-be-extended-to-varappuzha/article3598699.ece
