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New Indian Express
a day ago
- Climate
- New Indian Express
Promises unfulfilled, flooded KSRTC bus station cries for crucial makeover
KOCHI: Another monsoon season is here and it's the same old story at the Ernakulam KSRTC bus station. Located in the heart of the burgeoning city, the dilapidated bus station has remained susceptible to waterlogging for over a decade. While the demolition of the five-decade-old building that houses the station and the construction of a new terminal have hit a roadblock, the repeated promises of the KSRTC authorities to address the issue mostly remain on paper. The last of the assurances was delivered nearly two months back, when the authorities said the work to raise the floor-level of the building and the station premises and the setting up of new drains would be completed before the onset of monsoon. In fact, Ernakulam MLA T J Vinod allotted Rs 50 lakh for the purpose from the legislative assembly constituency asset development fund. The work has kicked off for sure, but is progressing at a tardy pace. 'The activities have been hampered by intermittent rain. The good thing is that the scope of the project has broadened with BPCL (Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd) contributing Rs 99 lakh. A tripartite agreement will soon be signed between BPCL, KSRTC and the PWD to implement the Rs 1.5-crore project,' the MLA told TNIE. Swanky terminal a distant dream The plan to set up a new swanky bus terminal -- modelled after the Vyttila Mobility Hub -- on 2.9 acres in Karikkamury has suffered a setback. The project was initially mooted to be implemented with the Rs 12-crore fund promised by Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML). But the KSRTC backed out following a difference over the terms and conditions that included toll for the entry of KSRTC buses into the proposed terminal. 'Despite giving land, they wanted to levy a toll on our buses. That can't be justified,' a senior KSRTC official said. Earlier, the plan was to construct a bus terminal that can be accessed by both private and KSRTC buses. The project was in the doldrums and the CSML term ended in March. While the agency's term has been extended by another year, a fresh nod from the ministry of housing and urban affairs needs to be obtained to avail funding.
Time of India
30-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
MG Road footpaths: HC calls for swift fix
Kochi: High court on Thursday sought an immediate response from state govt on when the restoration of footpaths along MG Road in Kochi will begin. A bench of Justice Devan Ramachandran was hearing petitions concerning the poor condition of roads in Kochi. Court observed that flooding along MG Road is particularly severe in sections where footpaths are damaged. This, it said, is due in part to ineffective cleaning of drains and rampant waste dumping. Court stressed that restoring footpaths and drainage system is an urgent need, and simply removing and replacing slabs is an inadequate, temporary solution. In response, senior govt pleader appearing for PWD requested a few days to seek instructions from the state. It was submitted that govt is seriously considering footpath restoration and is currently reviewing a proposal that may exceed Rs 16 crore due to cost escalation. Court also noted that damaged tiles and bollards on Banerji Road footpath remain unrepaired. However, counsel for Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) assured court that all restoration works there would be completed within 10 days. Court recorded this assurance and posted the matter for further hearing next Thursday.
Time of India
17-05-2025
- Automotive
- Time of India
Cycling loses track in Kochi city, paths encroached
Kochi: Authorities had introduced cycling tracks in the city in 2021 with much fanfare under the (CSML) project to help Kochites get healthier and reduce pollution. However, a few years later, most tracks are now inaccessible to cyclists due to poor maintenance, vehicles parked and people strolling on them. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Cycling tracks were set up on Park Avenue Road, Shanmukham Road, Abraham Madamakkal Road and Panampilly Nagar with dedicated lanes, marked distinctly in green paint. But presently, they remain notably empty and underutilised. Felix Augustine, an international cyclist, draws a stark contrast between European cycling havens and the city's chaotic roads. "Recently, I completed a 4,200-km cycling event — 'Northscape 4000' from Italy to Norway. Throughout the ride, I never witnessed a hindrance or accident, contrary to what I experience in Kerala during every ride. Here, more than having civic sense, people consider driving a competition. Cars, bikes and autos come from every direction, leaving pedestrians and cyclists confused," he said. Two years ago, authorities announced that delineators would be installed on bicycle lanes of smart roads in the city to prevent other vehicles being parked on them. But promises remain just that. Rajith Rathiyappan, a local cycling enthusiast, said, "Cycling is dead. We don't have proper space for it in the city, and the designated areas are either too small or blocked by parked vehicles." Saji Mathew, of a collective Bicycle Riders Kochi, said, "We avoid taking Metro routes. The already small roads were narrowed down to build footpaths and cycling tracks. Now, vehicles can hardly move along the roads. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Many are parked on pedestrian walkways. Also, every driver is in a hurry." The elongated cycle path that was built along Queen's Walkway has now been converted into a footpath, it is learned. Cyclists are forced to move onto secluded roads outside the city centre. Besides cycling enthusiasts, local residents too expressed apprehensions over the track's condition. "I pass this walkway every morning. I come here to take a bus to work. I see vehicles parked on the green-painted cycle tracks. Nobody questions them, nobody is held accountable," said Rekha Nair, a resident of Variyam Road. CSML has washed its hands over the situation, saying they were only responsible for setting up the cycle tracks in selected areas. "We were approved for constructing more cycle tracks along smart roads across the city. Though we proposed more numbers at several locations such as Banerjee Road and Durbar Hall Road, govt rejected them after discussions," said a CSML spokesperson. (With inputs from Tejasvi Ramesh)
Time of India
08-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Streetlights remain defunct in many areas in Kochi city
Kochi: Many places in the city are in darkness at night as authorities fail to ensure that streetlights are operating. Though Cochin Smart Mission Ltd (CSML) and Kochi corporation are implementing a project to replace all old streetlights with LED lights, even the lights erected under the project are defunct in certain are unable to rectify flaws and restore the streetlight system. Streetlights in many places in the city, like Manappattipparambu Road, Vyttila and Gandhinagar, are not functioning for the past few days. "Streetlights erected by KMRL in Panampilly Nagar walkway have not been functioning for the past three months. It is learned that there were some technical issues with KSEB that resulted in the malfunction of streetlights. So, authorities of Kochi corporation and KMRL should intervene and get the lights restored," said former Councillor from Panampilly Nagar to opposition councillors, CSML authorities fail to rectify the malfunction of streetlights. CSML contracted a lighting technology agency to replace 40,000 streetlights in the city with new LED lights. The contract was supposed to be completed by Aug 2024, but the deadline was extended to Dec 2024 as the agency couldn't complete the work. "We have been demanding that corporation authorities should intervene to ensure proper functioning of streetlights. But corporation is doing nothing in this regard. Even if we approach CSML, it will take at least two months to get LED lights repaired," said corporation UDF parliamentary party secretary MG Aristotle."There are multiple agencies involved in the operations of streetlights in the city. A section of streetlights is being maintained by CSML, while corporation's contractors undertake repair of another batch of streetlights. Yet another section of streetlights installed under various projects by MLAs and MP is also there. When we raise the issue of streetlights malfunctioning, contractors deployed by these agencies will engage in a blame game," said mayor M Anilkumar said that issues related to streetlights will be resolved within a month.
Press and Journal
01-05-2025
- Business
- Press and Journal
Cairngorm Mountain aiming to launch UK's 'longest and highest' toboggan ride
Plans to build the UK's 'longest' and 'highest' toboggan at Cairngorm Mountain have been revealed. Cairngorm Mountain (Scotland) Limited (CMSL) is hoping to launch the major new attraction in summer 2026. The dual rider toboggans will run along 1.2km of track with their highest point at 715 metres above sea level. Subject to planning and funding approval, the attraction would require an estimated investment of £1.2 million. The toboggan track will be located within the existing ski infrastructure area at the base of the mountain. It will use an existing ski tow alongside the mountain bike trails. Running from spring to autumn, the lightweight aluminium track can be easily removed and installed in under two weeks at the start and end of the snow sports season. Twisting and turning down the mountainside, the track will cross underneath existing bike tracks, offering unbeatable views of the surrounding areas. Meanwhile, independent braking allows the rider to safely control the speed of their adventure. The attraction will be suitable for most ages and abilities, although younger children must be accompanied by an adult. The scenic toboggan experience is part of the 25-year Cairngorm Masterplan to create year-round activities for every season. Once open, it will allow more full-time staff to be employed. Last year, CSML opened a gravity-style mountain carting experience for teenagers and adults, as well as an enhanced playpark and a range of adventure ball runs for younger children and families. The new additions have already welcomed thousands of visitors in their first season. Tim Hurst, interim chief executive of CMSL, said: 'Summer toboggans are a well-established concept in the mountains of Austria, Switzerland and Germany and in North America, but this is a first for the Scottish Highlands. 'We're incredibly proud to be working on this exciting product, introducing something new to the area with minimal impact on the terrain. 'By building on the success of our fantastic summer activities, we believe our toboggan ride will attract even more families. 'We'll be offering something unique and exhilarating that all the family can enjoy, and we can't wait to get started on it.'
