From neglect to revival: CoPT Avenue Walkway gets facelift

Kochi: The popular CoPT Avenue Walkway is finally getting the care it deserves. Following the mounting concern over its severe neglect, Cochin Port Trust carried out a rapid cleanup drive to restore the 2.1-km waterfront promenade.Located between Thoppumpady and Kannangattu bridges, the walkway opened in 2020 as a prized scenic getaway with adequate parking facilities. It featured a pedestrian bridge, open gym, children’s park and food stalls. However, years of non-maintenance turned this community asset into a hazardous wasteland.Thick, wild overgrowth smothered public benches, while scattered food waste from local restaurants attracted packs of aggressive stray dogs.

Safety fears escalated when visitors spotted snakes hiding in the dense weeds. Furthermore, broken, rusted play equipment and a total lack of security after dark kept families away. The situation got so bad that a group of regular morning walkers recently pooled their own money just to fix basic gym equipment.The walkway’s decay also threatened local tourism. State transport corporation (KSRTC) runs an open-top double-decker ‘City Tour’ that stops at the promenade for evening photos and dining.

While tourism officials shrugged off the poor conditions as a minor inconvenience, locals warned that the walkway was facing permanent ruin.Facing intense pressure from Kochi corporation and residents, Cochin Port Trust finally stepped in. Despite initial skepticism from locals that the heavy monsoon rains would stall outdoor labour, authorities carried out the maintenance at a ‘war footing’ pace.“We’ve carried out the maintenance of the walkway,” a Port spokesperson said.

“Two main contracts were issued, one to a private contractor and another to the commercial shop lessees.”With the wild weeds cleared, the stray menace being addressed, and the grounds finally made safe, regular walkers and families are gradually returning in large numbers to enjoy Kochi’s beautiful backwater views again.“Now we can have our morning walking sessions without any fear. We also request the authorities to fix the e-toilets at the eastern side, which are now non-functional,” said Joseph Peter, a resident of Nettoor, and a regular morning walker.