Talk:Aluva
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Destination Aluva
The ongoing construction boom is changing the face of Aluva. Apart from its proximity to Ernakulam, there are other attractions that builders hope to capitalise on writes Renu Ramanath in THE Hindu .
The banks of Periyar have started beckoning the builders. Though the construction sector in Ernakulam had been experiencing an unprecedented growth, Aluva and suburbs had not witnessed activity on a similar scale.
But no longer. More than half a dozen builders are now completing their projects in and around Aluva, with more getting ready to take the plunge. Many of the city-based builders are expanding towards Aluva, while new groups based along the banks of Periyar are springing up.
Moving outwards
So, what is the reason for this move outwards? The answer is simple and straightforward - to get away from the city, to get a breather from the congestion and pollution. "Availability of water is a major factor drawing people towards Aluva," points out Manoj Kanappilly, director of Amity Projects India. "Many people residing in Ernakulam have to spend at least Rs.50 per day for getting potable water, even in upmarket apartments. Guess what that comes to in a month, or a year! And, in this situation, moving away to a quieter suburb such as Aluva makes sense," he says.
Aluva has not so far felt the acute water scarcity experienced by most of Ernakulam, as water to the city is being pumped from here. Besides, Aluva also has good quality ground water. Ordinary wells or bore wells can produce water that is not hard, unlike in Ernakulam where groundwater is unusable due to the heavy presence of minerals.
Proximity to the International Airport at Nedumbassery is another major factor. "Air travel is increasing at an unprecedented level," points out Santhosh Nair, chief operations officer of Trinity Builders. He also concedes that the real estate scene in Aluva is growing in a big way. "Now, the airport is not a distant place even for the common man, hence accessibility to the airport has become a major factor for people while considering the purchase of an apartment."
He points out that the earning profile of the average Malayali family has gone up considerably. Now, it is possible for an average middle class family where both husband and wife are working to earn up to Rs.45,000 per month. Hence, living standards and expectation of comfort levels have also gone up. "People do prefer to stay in reasonably well-appointed apartments," according to Mr. Nair. Trinity targets people (read families), earning around Rs.45,000 per month. That is one major segment. Also, the non-resident Indian segment as well as the medium level business people who at present stay in Kochi.
Easy access
Aluva is also accessible to the hill stations, such as Munnar. It is just a three-hour drive from Aluva to Munnar. Add to it the accessibility of the township via rail and road. All trains stop at Aluva, and all buses plying along NH-47 also stop there. Aluva also offers a lot of working options, as the sleepy urban outpost of yesteryears has now developed into a bustling town. There are many institutions, operating there. Being the location of the headquarters of the Federal Bank is an added advantage surely.
But, the most attractive aspect of Aluva, especially the banks of the Periyar, is the `real' waterfront experience. Jaiby, of Periyar Residency, a new group based at Aluva, points out that the `water front apartments' in Ernakulam offers the `water front' only to see. "Nobody dare even touch the water in the water bodies surrounding these apartment complexes due to the high pollution. But, in Aluva, the Periyar still flows rather unpolluted. It is possible to step down and even take a plunge."
Bathing ghats
Periyar Residency plans to offer private bathing ghats along with their apartments. It is one of the new groups springing up in Aluva. Rajiv Kumar Cheruvara, of Apple-A-Day, points out that the relatively lower land value and flat cost is another factor drawing people and builders towards Aluva. Generally, land is available around Rs.1.25 lakhs to 1.5 lakhs a cent, even though the price varies according to the location. This is a big draw, compared to the busy stretches of Ernakulam where the value has crossed Rs. 20 lakhs even.
Easy traffic
Even though the traffic jam in the National Highway during peak hours poses a problem right now, it is hoped that with the Airport-Seaport Road and the Vallarpadam Container Terminal Road, the congestion on the roads could be reduced considerably. "The Aluva - Ernakulam distance can be covered within 15 minutes by car," points out Mr. Manoj.
The builders are offering comfortable three to two-bed room apartments in Aluva. The price range of Amity's second project coming up at Pulinchode, Aluva is around Rs.1,250 a sq. feet. In Ernakulam an average waterfront apartment costs Rs.3,500 per sq.feet. Periyar Residency is offering apartments at the rate of Rs.1,356 per square feet.
Target groups
The projects in Aluva target the middle-class working families, as well as business class, who would like to live in a quiet suburb after a hectic workday. Aluva also has the added advantage of good educational institutions. There are a number of good schools in and around Aluva. As for higher studies, most of the educational institutions are centred round Kalamassery.
Ernakulam has a lot of attractive features to offer than we think, points out Mr. Santhosh. "Look at the road from the Nedumbassery Airport. It is a beautifully planned route, which is not crowded and offers a fabulous view. Also, the Airport itself is very efficient and most modern. You can get the baggage faster than most other airports in India," according to him.
At most of the places, the price range varies according to the river view offered. So, it seems that the movement towards the outer reaches of the city has already set in, marking the slow evolution of a metro, which swallows the neighbouring localities into its enlarging fold. Kochi cannot hope to alleviate any of its problems without the suburbs, including Aluva and Kalamassery developing into seats of housing and industry.
