KOCHI: In a major relief to motorists currently braving highways which are choc-a-block, the work on the widening of National Highways in Ernakulam, Thrissur and Cherthala - Kazhakoottam stretch will start in November, Works Minister G Sudhakaran said here on Saturday. Inaugurating the work on the Kundannoor flyover here, he said the construction of the four- lane road from Kasargod to Kaliyikkavila will start in the Malabar region soon.
The state has undertaken construction works to the tune of `82,602 crore as part of improving the infrastructure facilities. The flyovers at Vyttila and Kundannoor are designed to bring an end to the traffic snarl-ups. The government will foot the construction cost and will not collect toll from the road users. Not only this, toll collection will be stopped at 14 places in the state. The construction of the Atlantis flyover will be taken up as soon as the Centre gives the nod, he said.
In an apparent reference to the allegations of disrespect towards Metroman E Sreedharan, the minister said the government will implement projects considering the opinion of the public and experts. Nonetheless, he said, “We won’t implement projects considering the opinion of a particular individual.”
M Swaraj MLA presided over the function. K V Thomas MP, MLAs P T Thomas, Hibi Eden, Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala Ltd (RBDCK) MD Asha Thomas and general manager J Raveendran attended the function.
Underpass at Vyttila
The government will construct an underpass at Vyttila Junction, the state’s busiest road junction, to avoid traffic snarl-ups, said Minister G Sudhakaran. The service roads at Vyttila Junction will be widened. To avoid traffic congestion at Ponnurunni Junction vehicles coming from Kadavanthra will be allowed to enter the Tripunithura road directly.Vehicles coming from Pettah will proceed through the exit road of the Mobility Hub.
Kundannoor Flyover
Total length: 701 m
Width: 24 metre
Project cost: F74.45 crore
Project deadline: Two years