THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: PWD minister G. Sudhakaran has urged the union Ministry of Road, Transport and Highways to sanction two standalone projects in the state- the Kozhikode-Moorad bridge and Vadakara - Paloli bridge. The Moorad bridge was constructed over 75 years ago and the motorists and locals have been clamouring about its pathetic condition. It has only 5.5-metre width affecting the movement of heavy vehicles on the busy Kozhikode-Kannur National Highway stretch.
This has prompted Mr Sudhakaran to approach the MoRTH secretary Ashok Joshi seeking his intervention. But NH officials are apprehensive of the redtapism involved in standalone projects. "The MoRTH secretary will forward the request to MoRTH chairman who will seek a report from the NHAI regional officer causing delays," said an NH official.
The state PWD would have to explain why these two bridges should be sanctioned as standalone projects. The Moorad bridge work was delayed due to doubts on the suitability of the land acquired for it. The government has to float the tender for the Vadakara - Paloli bridge again as the earlier one was cancelled after the contract was awarded.
