High Court Jn. development, astro turf on cards: Minister

The State government will consider developing High Court Junction where thousands of people from Goshree Islands and other places converge daily and also the possibility of constructing a skywalk for pedestrians to safely cross roads in the area, Minister A.K. Balan said in a reply to a calling-attention motion made by Ernakulam MLA Hibi Eden in the Assembly.

Mr. Eden also sought the development of the road and footpaths leading from High Court Junction to Goshree Junction, considering the increasing congestion and upcoming mega projects in the vicinity. Replying to his request for an astro turf hockey ground at Maharaja’s College ground and a new hostel building, in return for 16 cents surrendered for the Kochi metro station, Mr. Balan said it would also be considered, a statement issued by Mr. Eden said.

The Minister further said that tenders for projects worth ₹150 crore undertaken by Cochin Smart Mission Limited would be floated by March 31. Altogether, ₹396 crore, including Central funds, has been allotted for various projects under the mission. Admitting that there was delay in executing the mission’s projects, Mr. Balan said that a committee chaired by the Chief Secretary would oversee the work and its timely completion.

Mr. Eden also sought coordination between the mission and the Kochi Corporation to ensure effective and timely completion of projects to be taken up for road and open space development and prevention of flooding and pedestrianisation efforts.