The second phase of Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) work will begin by December with the upgradation (130 km) and heavy maintenance work (400 km) of roads.
Tender proceedings are expected to begin by September. This was decided at a discussion held by KSTP officials with the World Bank team. The team headed by Simon Ellis returned after the four-day visit.
The team will meet officials of the Department of Economic Affairs in New Delhi on Monday for discussions regarding allotment of additional amount for the heavy maintenance work of 1,000- km of roads.
An additional Rs 1,000 crore is needed for the heavy maintenance of 1,000- km roads included in the project. The World Bank has agreed to grant Rs 500 crore for the work.
The Department of Economic Affairs (DEA) will assess the debt repayment capacity of the state. The World Bank team, KSTP officials and DEA officials will convene a meeting on Monday to discuss the additional loan amount.
Heavy maintenance of 400-km roads too will begin by December. Major roads which are not included in the State Roads Improvement Project (SRIP) will be given priority.
Upgradation work will begin with the 27.76-km Kasargod Kanhangad road, 20.90- km Pilathara- Pappinissery road and Punaloor-Muvattupuzha road.
The work of Pattambi-Perinthalmanna road (SH 39) will be the last to begin since pipes belonging to the Kerala Water Authority should be shifted from the 20-km stretch.
It would require an additional Rs 20-30 crore. The road work is expected to begin only by February 2014.