Title - Navy rejects Vathuruthy railway overbridge design

KOCHI: Giving a jolt to Kochi corporation's plan to construct a railway overbridge (ROB) at Vathuruthy, the Indian Navy rejected the design submitted by Kitco, the state government consultancy, for approval.

Roads and Bridges Development Corporation - Kerala (RBDC-K), the nodal agency for constructing the bridge, had entrusted Kitco with the task of preparing the design.

According to RBDC-K sources, the Indian Navy has rejected the design submitted by the consultant on various counts. "We have been asked to revise the design incorporating suggested changes. The proximity of Navy's airport and the height of the proposed ROB have become major hurdles," said the official. The Navy has also sought a joint inspection of the site along with the Cochin Port Trust (CPT) and Kochi corporation. The corporation was hoping to get the project design approved by the Indian Navy to speed up follow-up procedures and start work on the much-delayed ROB at Vathuruthy. The local body had planned to draft a proposal to seek funds for the project under the phase two of Jawaharlal Nehru Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM).

The existing railway gate at Vathuruthy serves as an entry point to the city for residents of west Kochi. The proposed ROB is expected to address the travelling woes of people from places such as Edakochi, Palluruthy, Thoppumpady, Mattancherry and Fort Kochi.

RBDC-K was made the nodal agency following a high-level meeting convened in the presence of Union minister K V Thomas, PWD minister V K Ibrahim Kunju, MLAs Dominic Presentation and Hibi Eden, and Kochi mayor Tony Chammany.

If the ROB project gets the required clearance, the Centre would provide 50% of the total project cost under JNNURM. The state government will pump in 30% of the required funds, with the corporation raising the remaining 20%. "Most of the land in the area is owned by CPT and Indian Navy. There is no need to acquire land. Both agencies will also benefit from the project," said town planning committee chairman K J Sohan. Since only a few trains, particularly goods wagons, operate between Ernakulam south station and Willingdon Island, the railways will not provide funds for the project.

RBDC-K maintained that it was too early to speak on the total project cost and the exact location of the proposed ROB. The officer said that it would be difficult to acquire land belonging to people living in the nearby Vathuruthy settlement or slum.

Meanwhile, Union minister K V Thomas said that any further decision would be taken only after holding discussions with mayor Tony Chammany. "Before making a final plan, the objections raised by the Indian Navy will be taken into account and examined thoroughly," he said.

BOX:

The construction of structures around airports is bound by civil aviation rules and International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) rules in conjunction with the Aircraft Act of the country. The Navy is also bound by these rules made for the safe landing and take off of aircraft. The Naval airport is being used for search and rescue, VVIP aircraft and other emergencies in addition to naval operations in defence of the country. Structures beyond the stipulated heights are an obstruction in the glide path of the aircraft. In meetings with agencies concerned, alternative options, including locating the overbridge away from the glide path, was discussed.