The long-pending project of Marine Drive extension from Queen?s Walkway to the northern area of city is one step closer to reality as state govt is going to invite expression of interest (EoI) for appointment of project consultancy in the coming weeks. Officials of Greater Cochin Development Authority (GCDA) and Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), which is the funding agency of the project, held a final level discussion regarding the project and conditions in the EoI a few days ago. The project would be implemented in three phases. In Phase I, the area from Queen?s Walkway to Vaduthala rail viaduct would be developed as open space for visitors. The project envisages developing an extension of Marine Drive northwards in the direction of Vaduthala. The identified project area starts from Queen?s Walkway in the southern part to Cheranalloor grama panchayat in the north, including Vaduthala, Pachalam, and Mulavukad Island in the east, according to the concept document. According to GCDA chairman K Chandran Pillai, the total project cost is approximately Rs 20 billion. ?To mobilize such a substantial amount, we are exploring partnerships with private players through the issuance of EoI,? he said. It is learnt that around 300 acres would be acquired for Phase I works. Families which would be evicted would be rehabilitated in the same area. GCDA is planning to adopt land pooling methods in project implementation. It is an activity where a group of landowners can hand over their land parcels collectively for public projects or infrastructure development. After rearrangement of plots and development of infrastructure, remaining land will be handed over to original owners. Though the owner will get back only 60% of the original land, its value will be enhanced three to four times. It is expected that land pooling will help reduce project cost. Despite getting in-principle approval from govt in April 2022, the project got delayed for many months.