GCDA plans to transfer KK Road to Kochi Corporation after restoration work

The Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) is looking to offload Kaloor-Kadavanthra Road (KK Road), the only road under its ownership, by transferring it to the Kochi Corporation once the latest round of restoration work is over.

Ever since its commissioning in 2004, the 3.20-km-long, 22-metre-wide 4-lane road has been one of the most-used arterial roads in the city connecting two major junctions – Kaloor and Kadavanthra – while also providing one of the most congestion-free routes between Vyttila and Kaloor. Most long-distance buses connecting the city to the south and southeast regions take this road to reach the Kaloor bus stand. Of late, KK Road has been in a sorry state with potholes marking large stretches.

“We have tendered restoration work worth ₹2 crore, which will get under way as soon as the rain relents somewhat. Once the work is over, consultations will be held with the Corporation authorities on the potential transfer,” said GCDA sources.

The GCDA, it is being pointed out, has no separate allocation for the maintenance of roads, and hence its periodic repairs have been a significant drain on the authority’s revenue. While the GCDA can undertake minor repair works, such as filling potholes, large-scale restoration works and resurfacing are not feasible, unlike the Corporation, which has a separate allocation for road maintenance.

Mayor M. Anilkumar welcomed the proposal for the transfer of the road to the Corporation after the latest restoration work.

“As per the Town Planning Act, the development authorities have no authority to draw up development schemes on their own but can do so only on a resolution passed by the local body concerned. Even then, the project has to be restored with the local body once it is completed. In the case, of KK Road, the Corporation has not insisted on that considering its good relations with the GCDA,” he said.

Notwithstanding its popularity among motorists and other sections of users since its commissioning, the road has drawn its share of flak over the years. For instance, the road was inaugurated multiple times. Initially, on completion of the two-lane road, and then again after it was widened as a four-lane road. In between, it remained almost abandoned for a couple of years after being dug up for a drinking water project.