KOCHI: As many as 27 families residing near the Kumbalam Toll Plaza can heave a sigh of relief as the district administration is taking all possible steps to avoid acquiring their land for the expansion of the Kumbalam Toll Plaza.With the new initiative, the district administration is planning to relocate the present toll plaza to Madavana to avoid the acquisition of more private land for its expansion. District Collector K Mohammed Safirulla directed the National Highways Authority India to submit a report in this regard within two weeks.
The District Collector’s decision came at a meeting he had with K V Thomas MP, MLA M Swaraj, Kumbalam Anti-Toll Plaza Committee members and the Revenue officers on Saturday.
“If the present toll plaza is developed, several families will have to surrender their land. If it is relocated to Madavana the large-scale land acquisition can be avoided. It will help avoid the acquisition of a church located in the area,” said a member of the Anti-Toll Plaza Committee.
Through the expansion, the NHAI is aiming at increasing the number of toll booth collection points from eight to 10. A weighbridge, a dedicated passage for ambulance and a toilet complex are also included in the project.
“A final decision on the relocation of the toll plaza will be taken only after getting a report from the NHAI. We are considering relocation following a suggestion from the residents. There are many technical aspects that need to be finalised before taking a final decision. We will hold a discussion again after getting the report,” said the District Collector.