A high-level meeting chaired by Ernakulam MP Hibi Eden has directed Kochi Metro Rail Ltd (KMRL) to accelerate the city's long-delayed canal clean-up and bridge construction projects. The meeting focused on establishing firm deadlines and resolving specific bottlenecks that have stalled progress on the dredging, widening, and cleaning of six major channels: Perandoor, Chilavannoor, Edappally, Thevara, Konthuruthy, and Market canals.
Reviving Canals for Transit and Flood Control
According to a Metro official, reviving these canals is considered a vital step to enhance boat transit, reduce road traffic congestion, and prevent urban flooding that frequently affects the city. Eden, along with MLAs T J Vinod and Uma Thomas, expressed concern over the significant delays in completing the Bund Road Bridge works. Instructions were issued to the contractor and KMRL to expedite pending activities and ensure the project's timely completion.
Bund Road Bridge Target Date
Based on assurances from the contractor, the meeting targeted commissioning and inauguration of the bridge by November 1. The status of Market Canal works was also reviewed, with Eden requesting KMRL to hold discussions with the bidder and explore all possible options to commence work as soon as possible. The meeting emphasized avoiding procedural delays and facilitating speedy execution.
Kallupalam Bridge and Konthuruthy Canal
The meeting reviewed the proposed Kallupalam Bridge across Thevara Canal. KMRL informed that the detailed project report (DPR) for funding approval was submitted in November 2025, and sanction is awaited. Eden directed the Social Impact Assessment Agency to complete required surveys and related procedures urgently to avoid further delays. Regarding Konthuruthy Canal development, KMRL stated that detailed surveys and DPR preparation would begin immediately after the Kochi corporation officially transfers the required land.
Sewage Treatment Plants
The meeting also discussed the construction of sewage treatment plants (STPs), an integral part of the canal rejuvenation project. It was decided to convene a review meeting at the earliest with the Kerala Water Authority, the implementing agency for STP components, to assess progress and address any implementation issues.
