Kochi: No NHAI nod taken for flyover construction

Kochi: None of the agencies involved in Palarivattom flyover construction had obtained an NOC (No Objection Certificate) from the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI). This was revealed by the NHAI in a recent RTI reply to the Anti-Corruption People's Movement.

The UDF government started construction of the Rs 42 crore bridge in September 2012 without the approval of the NHAI though the same was obtained by the LDF government from the central agency for construction of the Vytilla and Kundannoor bridges.

"As per the RTI reply, none of the agencies involved - the Kerala PWD, Kitco, Roads & Bridges Corporation of Kerala or RDS Constructions the contractor, obtained the NOC," said Venugopal Pillai, state treasurer, of the Anti-Corruption People's Movement.

To a question whether a safety inspection and certification was done by the NHAI after completion of work of Palarivattom flyover, the agency replied the same was not legally required in the absence of its nod.

"They (NHAI) can't absolve from their duty to ensure bridge safety on this ground as the structure is on the NH stretch maintained by them. We'll file a complaint with the Lokpal over this," Mr Pillai said.

DC had on June 28 highlighted the issue. Then a senior NHAI official had said the agency even prepared a detailed plan for a six-lane flyover at Palarivattom, however, the previous UDF government volunteered to construct the bridge and included it under fast track projects.

"We'd planned six-lane facility taking into account the traffic needs for the next 20 years. We feel the current facility at the busy junction is inadequate," he said.

The bridge, designed adopting a new concept of deck continuity joint system, was opened for traffic in October 2016. However, cracks on the girders and piers starting developing. A study by the IIT Madras team revealed serious construction deficiencies.