KOCHI: The Public Works Department (PWD) Minister G. Sudhakaran is expected to conduct a review of the proposed Vyttilla flyover project in the backdrop of criticism from various quarters about the lack of transparency in the project. A source familiar with the development said the PWD officials connected with the project will submit a report to the minister on Monday or Tuesday on the present status of the project and its implications. The minister is expected to make a statement after evaluating the report. “We have sought for an appointment with the minister and we hope to meet him in a day or two”, said a PWD official.
Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan is scheduled to formally launch the construction work for the Rs 82 crore flyover project on December 11. The public works department is also expected to submit a report on the second phase of the project and termed the present project as the first phase of the venture. Officials however remained tightlipped about the second phase. “The minister will provide the details” said an official connected with the project.
Although tendering and other technicalities connected with the first phase of the project have been completed apprehensions about the long-term benefits of the venture in its present form has been raised by several people including the local unit of the Kerala Sasthra Sahitya Parishad. According to the KSSP leaders the present project, whose details are still shrouded in mystery, is likely to end up as a white elephant like the flyovers at Aluva and Edappally without bringing any major relief to the traffic bottlenecks. Critics have also pointed out that the details of the present project including its alignment and design are not shared with the stakeholders despite requests.
