KCOHI: The ambitious ‘Ring Road project’ aimed at connecting Kochi city with its nearby areas, worth Rs 3,000 crore will commence soon, said Public Works Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju. He was inaugurating the new PWD working women’s hostel at Kunnumpuram, Kakkanad, on Thursday.The minister said a detailed report on the project is being prepared. The mounting opposition against toll collection has also been taken into account while preparing the project for construction of bridges. “Those who vehemently protest against toll collection conveniently forget the facilities they enjoy while travelling on high-quality roads. People tend to forget the fact that these facilities are a result of toll collection,” he said.The minister added that a number of important projects have been stuck due to the obstinate stance of certain quarters. Despite this, funds have been sanctioned for several projects, he said. “An amount of Rs 85 crore has been earmarked for the Public Works Department in the budget. Based on it, administrative sanction could be given only for `125 crore. But, acting on the pressing demands from the people’s representatives, an administrative sanction of about `1,200 crore has been granted,” he said. With the government giving administrative sanction for a number of proposals in the budget speech, positive results could be expected soon. Steps have been initiated to start the maintenance work on roads connecting the Thrikkakara municipality and Kochi city. The PWD rest house at Thrikkakara will be beautified, he said.The PWD has already started working women’s hostels at Kozhikode and Thiruvananthapuram. Though priority will be given to government employees, seats will be reserved for those from recognised institutions also. Benny Behanan MLA presided over the function. P I Muhammad Ali, chairman, Thrikkakara municipality and Sherina Shukkoor, vice-chairperson, Thrikkakara municipality, were also present.
Comments
0 comment