GCDA to improve basic infrastructure facilities.

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is planning to improve the basic infrastructure facilities in the city by constructing a few major roads. The agency has also proposed some housing projects for the economically weaker sections.

The vision and action plan of the authority were listed out in its annual budget presented by Chairman C.N. Mohanan on Wednesday.

The authority has earmarked ₹5 crore for developing Pachalam-Mamangalam road, which will run parallel to Banerji Road. The road, once developed, will ease traffic pressure on Banerji Road, besides providing better connectivity to Vypeen island.

A ring road around Ambedkar stadium at a cost of ₹1.6 crore is the second major road project proposed by the authority. The 370-metre-long road will improve connectivity to the KSRTC bus station. The agency hopes to source government funds for the completing the projects.

A road and bridge connecting Thevara-Chakkalakkal road to Kasturba Nagar and a few byroads have been proposed. The allocation for these projects is ₹6.5 crore.

The agency has earmarked ₹5 crore for widening Foreshore Road between Pallimukku Junction and Church Landing Road. The width of the road on this stretch will be increased to 22 metres.

A few housing projects at Puthenkurisu, Rameshwaram, and Kasturba Nagar have been announced for the economically weaker sections.

The agency hopes to obtain around three acres at Puttumanoor in Vadavukode-Puthencruz panchayat from the State government for establishing the housing project as well as a township. The agency has earmarked ₹2.5 crore for it.

The GCDA also hopes to execute housing projects in its holdings to accommodate slum dwellers.

As part of the agency’s Rameshwaram project, housing projects for low and middle income groups will be executed at a cost of around ₹5 crore. Another project for low income groups has also been envisioned at Rameshwaram. The authority has decided to allot ₹5 lakh for the initial expenses of the project, said Mr. Mohanan.

A pilot project for rainwater harvesting and recharging of groundwater at the GCDA office at a cost of ₹15 lakh has also been included in the budget. The agency also plans to reuse the water thus collected from the rooftop for use during summer months.

The shopping complex near the civil station at Kakkanad will be reconstructed spending ₹2.5 crore.

THE HINDU