The long-pending Marine Drive extension project from Queen's Walkway to the northern area of the city is moving closer to reality, as the state government is preparing to invite expressions of interest (EoI) for the appointment of a project consultancy in the coming weeks. A final discussion on the project and the EoI conditions was held by officials from the Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), the funding agency, a few days ago, with the EoI expected to be published soon. The project, which aims to extend Marine Drive northwards towards Vaduthala, will be implemented in three phases. The first phase will develop the area from Queen'?s Walkway to the Vaduthala rail viaduct as an open space for visitors. The project area, according to the concept document, stretches from Queen's Walkway in the south to Cheranalloor Grama Panchayat in the north, including Vaduthala, Pachalam, and Mulavukad Island in the east. GCDA Chairman K Chandran Pillai indicated that the total project cost is approximately Rs 20 billion. He mentioned that they are exploring partnerships with private players through the issuance of EoI to mobilise such a substantial amount. It is understood that around 300 acres will be acquired for the Phase I works, with affected families to be rehabilitated in the same area. GCDA is considering adopting land pooling methods for the project's implementation. This involves a group of landowners collectively handing over their parcels for public projects or infrastructure development. After the rearrangement of plots and infrastructure development, the remaining land is returned to the original owners. Although owners will only receive 60% of their original land, its value is expected to increase three to four times. It is anticipated that land pooling will help reduce project costs. Despite receiving in-principle approval from the government in April 2022, the project experienced several months of delay.