Kochi: Out of the several projects as part of the Cochin Smart City Mission, upgrading roads has been given importance. As a matter of fact, roads upgradation has the biggest component of Rs 300 crore of the Rs 1,000 crore allotted.
Resurfacing of roads and corridors have been taken up in a big way. Smart roads in the city hub and West Kochi are being upgraded using milling method, wherein the tarred layer is scooped out and relaid, to ensure durability and lessen quarrying to source aggregate.
Jafar Malik, Chief Executive Officer, Cochin Smart Mission Limited (CSML) said, “Approximately 70% of work undertaken by CSML to upgrade roads, drains, footpaths, and allied infrastructure is already over.”
Works are going on at fast pace. According to a senior official, the lockdown has helped as there is less traffic and work could be completed quickly. While resurfacing and readying of drainage of all five smart roads are over, allied works are pending.
A new firm will be awarded the contract to ensure that pending works are completed by October, Mr. Malik said.
According to schedule, CSML’s mandate in Kochi will end in March 2022, unless the Centre extends it. Around 60% of works that the agency undertook have been completed so far, it is learnt. The renovated Marine Drive walkway is also almost completed.
