Chamber seeks development projects for western Kochi
Tuesday, 20 Oct 2009
The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry has urged the State Government and the Kochi Corporation to take immediate steps for the development of the western parts of Kochi in the wake of various upcoming port-based mega projects in the area.
The Chamber President, Mr Jasbir Singh Chawla, pointed out that the outskirts of the Eastern, Southern and Northern parts of the City have started developing steadfastly. Even though West Kochi is more related and connected with the prestigious Kochi Port for a variety of reasons, there are no signs of the benefits of this tremendous growth reaching West Kochi, he said.
Speaking to reporters after assuming office as President, Mr Chawla requested the authorities to extend the proposed Metro Rail to Fort Kochi in the first phase itself as it will be more convenient to the tourists visiting various historic places besides helping in the development of western Kochi.
He pointed out that heritage and tourism are very important part of the State’s economy and the authorities should evolve a strategy for the sustained growth of west Kochi with private public partnership as maintenance of heritage structures, buildings and promotion of tourism require enormous resources and planning.
The recently launched Muziris Project of the State Government aims to preserve the heritage and restore some of the structures and activity centers associated with daily life. It is understood that history museums are proposed to be set up at Thrissur and Kochi. Because of its historic value and close proximity of an ancient commercial centre Mattancherry, Fort Kochi is the most ideal place for the location of the museum, Mr Chawla said.
He also called for urgent beautification of the Fort Kochi, which has been considerably reduced over a period of time due to erosion. Considering the pace of developments in the city, the authorities should also take steps to avoid traffic congestions on the main artery roads in the city by constructing flyovers and over bridges at busy intersections on a war footing.
Mr Chawla demanded introduction of suburban train services mainline electrical multiple units from Kochi to all directions. Likewise the question of electrification of the rail line from Ernakulam to Cochin Harbour Terminus deserves priority consideration.
