Kochi’s Non-Motorised Transport Projects Face Delays

Quick Summary

• issue: Progress of footpaths, drains, and infrastructure on the Kaloor-Kadavanthra road (KK Road) and other arterial roads has stalled.
• Projects Affected: French-aided ₹111-crore non-motorised transport (NMT) project along the Aluva-Thripunithura metro corridor.
• Reasons for Delay: Encroachments on arterial roads and pending land acquisition have hindered progress. Funds allotted by French agency AFD lapsed due to these delays.
• Obligation Conflict: KK Road maintenance falls under Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA), but redevelopment work was temporarily handed over to Kochi Metro Rail Limited (KMRL). Only 70% completion has been achieved.
• Court Intervention: Kerala High Court expressed concern over potholes causing accidents. Motorists petitioned for urgent repairs to make KK Road safer.
• Agency Challenges:

– GCDA alleges KMRL tired funds allocated for redevelopment.
– KMRL cites delays in land handover and encroachment clearance as causes of stalled work; seeking ‘unspent’ NMT funds from AFD is ongoing.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The stalled infrastructure projects highlight serious challenges in urban development coordination among various governmental bodies such as GCDA, KMRL, Kochi Corporation, and Public Works Department. Delays caused by encroachments,incomplete handovers,and lapsing international funds also emphasize inefficiencies in administrative execution that directly impact public safety. The judicial intervention underscores the urgency needed to address infrastructure deterioration affecting citizens’ daily commutes.Resolving jurisdictional ambiguities between agencies is essential not just for completing unfinished works but also ensuring streamlined operations moving forward. If funding issues are resolved successfully between KMRL and AFD or alternate local funding is secured by GCDA or Kochi Corporation, it could serve as a test case for improving inter-agency collaboration across India’s urban planning efforts.read more: [Link unavailable]