Thiruvananthapuram: NHAI clears fund, PWD sits on project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: National Highway Authority of India has cleared Rs 314 crore for one of the longest flyovers between Vetturoad - Kazhakuttam having 2.7 km length. 

But the PWD is yet to give its report on the alignment as the 1.3 km stretch from Kazhakuttom Junction to Kazhakuttom Police Station does not have the required 45-metre.

The proposed flyover starts from the Technopark gate. The stretch from Technopark gate to Kazhakoottam has got the 45-metre width, but the remaining 1.3 km from Kazhakuttom Junction to the police station does not have. 

Authorities have now decided to start the land acquisition process which would see the same procedure happening between Cherthala - Kazhakuttam. 
A top government official said it is similar to the downtown Bakery Junction flyover.

"There are alignment issues. Since the Union ministry of road transport and highways has specified that work can be started only on 45-metre width, tendering process would have to wait," he said.

Now the biggest dilemma is to complete the complicated land acquisition process as the locals had already moved the court for fair compensation. The 1.3-km stretch would have to be separately tendered. 

The proposed metro rail from Pallipuram would also be passing through the sides of the flyover. Though the officials are silent on the timeframe, they hope to kick-start the land acquisition procedures without further delay.