KOCHI: The waterfront alongside the four-lane highway connecting International Container Transshipment Terminal Vallarpadam (ICTT) to Kalamassery is gaining popularity among locals and tourists alike. Sandwiched between backwaters and Goshree Islands, the stretch can be developed on similar lines as Ernakulam Marine Drive, according to the local body and tourism authorities.Though there are no benches to sit on or other facilities, many people can be seen thronging along the road throughout the day to have a glimpse of the beauty of backwaters. “People come here daily and the number goes up on holidays and weekends,” said Noushad, an ice-cream vendor.Mulavukad panchayat president A K Dinakaran said the panchayat has already submitted a proposal to the Department of Tourism for developing the area into a tourist spot. “The proposal includes setting up facilities for boating, benches for visitors, food courts and other required amenities of a tourist spot. The panchayat has noticed the tourism potential of the area which is quiet and calm yet very close to the city,” Dinakaran said. He is of the opinion that the project can be a great success if the neighbouring panchayats, through which the 8km-long road passes, join hands together towards this aim.Meanwhile, the District Tourism Promotion Council authorities said it had looked into the possibilities of developing the area. “But the road is still under construction. Two lanes of the road are yet to be finished. We can develop the area once the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) completes the project,” said DTPC secretary T N Jayasankar.“However, we have already framed a project to develop the side of Goshree-Chakyath Road, which will also be an extension to the Marine Drive. The waterfront of the 3km-long stretch is being developed with a beautiful walkway and other facilities,” he said.
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