Kochi: The move by Kochi Metro Rail Limited to take over a large portion of the busy MG Road in Kochi and set up a Rs 21-crore ‘ Walking Mall’ , blocking trade and traffic alike, has suffered a setback with the traders and CPM opposing it.
The project envisages blocking one side of the MG Road and setting up a walkway, park, seating arrangements for visitors and planting trees. Motor traffic would be confined to only one side of the road and cars and bikes will be allowed to enter the road only from one side of the road. Public buses would not be allowed to use the road.
This would mean that the already bankrupt traders on the MG road would be forced to down shutters forever and the public transport on the Padma route would be stopped altogether or shunted to the congested and narrow bylanes of the city.
Apparently, it was a romantic idea of KMRL officials to build a park on the busiest road of the Kochi city which is known for traffic snarls but sceptics suspect an agenda behind the grand development plan.
They fear a move is on to ruin the trade and smoke out the traders on the MG Road stretch and turn the area into hub of tourism related realty projects.
Kochi Metro Rail Limited which was given the mandate to construct a metro rail network in the city is pushing many expensive projects ostensibly for developing and beautifying the city. At the same time, the company is lagging behind its schedule, with the metro work on the MG Road moving at a snail’s pace, causing hardhips to pedestrians, motorists and traders.
Traders have taken up the matter with the Chief Minister.
