Marine Drive to be extended till Varapuzha

The beauty spot and the green lung of the city of Kochi, the Marine Drive is likely to be  extended further to Varapuzha, as per the plans of the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) for  the development plan of an emerging Kochi.

The government has already approved  the second phase of the development of Marine Drive in principle. The  GCDA has been entrusted with the task of preparing a project report and conducting an environment study. In this phase  GCDA is planning to set up a  world trade centre, International convention centre and entertainment zone. The first phase of ring road to Varapuzha will be taken up soon. Some of the other projects that are being included in the Marine Drive development plan of Vision 2030 include an entertainment zone at Marine Drive, International Trade Centre and a Logistic Centre.  The GCDA had already conducted two meetings with regard to Vision 2030, which was attended by delegates who are involved with the city’s development both directly and indirectly.

The GCDA is also going ahead with its plan of convening  a two-day workshop later in the month, which would be  attended by architects, town planners, political leaders and subject matter experts.  The exponential growth of Cochin, the commercial capital of Kerala  has thrown open a series of challenges in areas like infrastructural development.  Kochi might need more such far sighted and innovative projects that can handle the pressure of a burgeoning population and the corresponding developmental activities to make it a well planned city.