KOCHI: The residents of Makkaparambu road wish the Kochi Corporation would speed up the ongoing subway construction work in the area. The railway authorities have almost completed the replacement of the old tracks with the new ones between Ernakulam Town railway station and Edappally railway station. This is the final phase of the Makkaparambu subway construction.According to railway authorities, the construction of the connecting roads from the subway lies in the hands of the corporation authorities.The Makkaparambu residents had never seen a road passing through their area and were forced to carry their burden by foot across the six railway tracks to reach the road. The upcoming subway is the only solution to their problem and its construction was initiated with the help of Union Minister for Food Supplies K V Thomas.The project went on a hold due to the demands of another subway at the neighbouring village Nikathal by its residents. However, the Makkaparambu residents claim that even the authorities feel that they deserve the subway more than the people of Nikathal. A Makkaparambu road resident M X George said, “Our children and the handicapped are forced to cross at least six railway tracks to reach their schools or any other part of Kochi. Most of us don’t have any means of transport, for the simple reason, we don’t have a way to go out of the area.”According to Edappally Residents’ Association (EDRAACH) Member Francis A, the initiative by the railway authorities and the Cochin Port Trust in doing their part for the construction of the subway is commendable. “The work of the subway got a boost when the Cochin Port Trust decided to fund the work of the subway. This was proposed as railway tracks carrying trains from the Vellarpadom container passes through the Edappally station.”The subway is being built using the latest box push technology. “But according to the residents, there is a possibility of water logging in the area since there is a gap in the walls as the boxes placed in the subway are smaller in size compared to the other side. The solution is either to properly concrete the walls or build a well to pump the water away,” Francis said.The remaining work includes the construction of the planks from the subway and the road leading to Puthukalavattom and the remaining area.Councillor Seena Teacher said the corporation is waiting for the sanction of another Rs 3 lakh to start the work of constructing roads. We have finished the work of the road that leads to Puthukalavattom. We are planning to approach Union Minister K V Thomas for the money.” At present, the corporation has received Rs 20 lakh for the road work.
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