Footpaths to be the new billboards

KOCHI: In an attempt to merge the concepts of safe footpaths and economical viability, Kochi Corporation has decided to invite private parties to place their logo-embedded porcelain tiles on the footpaths in lieu of their funding.The new idea is part of the footpath beautification project of the Corporation under the new budget. The funding for the project will be acquired through public-private-partnership (PPP) mode.“The footpaths will be laid in a uniform and pedestrianfriendly model.However, the private contributors will be allowed to place their logo or ad-embedded tiles at regular intervals on the footpath.This style of advertisement will be followed on all the major roads which witness heavy pedestrian traffic,” said Soumini Jain, chairperson, Works Standing Committee, Kochi Corporation.However, she added that the roads are yet to be identified.“Although, the private parties will be allowed to fix their logo-embedded porcelain tiles, the basic design and colour-scheme of the footpath will remain the same.The permission of the Public Works Department (PWD) will be sought to implement the project along the roads owned by them.As of now, they have not opposed to the move,” added Soumini.Meanwhile, the footpaths along the pocket roads will be receiving step-motherly treatment as the Corporation does not have a fixed plan for their construction.“Since there is no scope for advertisement in the pocket roads, the footpaths there will be constructed using the funds under the divisions concerned or from the plan fund.Their renovation will be looked-into later,” said Soumini Jain.