19cr project around Varkala tunnel gets govt approval

Thiruvananthapuram: Kicking off the first project in the district under transit oriented development that is being planned as part of west coast canal revamp; the state government has given in principle sanction to implement a tourism project around Chilakkoor tunnel at Varkala. The government has given sanction to implement the tourism project at a cost of Rs 19.1 crore by making use of KIIFB funds. The agency which was entrusted with the study to explore the tourism potential in this area has submitted a concept note.The note says that the area around Chilakkoor tunnel can be developed as a premium tourist spot and this will give stimulus to the tourism sector in Varkala and will attract private investment. The project is proposed to be implemented on a 3.5 km stretch between Arivalam and Thottilpalam. Kerala waterways and infrastructure limited, the special purpose vehicle of the canal revamp scheme, forwarded the proposal to the government seeking KIIFB’s financial aid. The initial project will be implemented under three categories.Landscaping along the Arivalam – Vettoor canal stretch on the coastal highway side with palm/fruit bearing trees and minimum planters/masonry/fencing for a distance of two km, walkway/cycle track along Arivalam – Vettoor stretch for two km with necessary retaining walls and canal edge treatment, seating, lamp posts etc on both sides, pedestrian bridge, seating/kiosks and other amenities along the beach stretch have been proposed for Arivalam Vettoor beach front.Improving the existing road with retaining wall along the canal edge, providing walkway for easy pedestrian access, terracing, and landscaping at the southern end of the tunnel will also be implemented.At the northern end, landscaping and terracing along the existing road with necessary retaining walls, walkways/cycle track at canal level and road level with terraced landscaping with steps, garden furniture, viewing decks at a higher level, lamp posts, pedestrian bridge, suspended viewing pavilion at the top of the hill and other services and infrastructure have been proposed.The Akkulam-Kollam canal stretch is one among the two reaches selected in the pilot phase for the preparation of a concept plan as part of the proposed transit oriented development in the canal corridor. Kerala waterways infrastructure limited earlier forwarded a request seeking in principle sanction to prepare concept plans for each stretch of the canal as part of preparing a comprehensive master plan for the West coast canal.The proposal is to identify potential for economic development and create business opportunities in the corridor as part of the development of the canal. Kovalam-Akkulam and Akkulam-Kollam are included among the 13 stretches identified for this project. The concept plan is expected to cost around Rs 4 crore.