THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The construction of the Thakaraparambu flyover, a major infrastructure work that would ease traffic flow on the MG Road, began on Wednesday. Chief Minister Oommen Chandy inaugurated the construction activities. He said that the State Government would launch a project to ensure permanent rehabilitation of traders who will be displaced in connection with the project. The CRIP work, the Chief Minister said, will be completed in a time-bound manner.
It may be remembered that the project had been delayed for years owing to the question of rehabilitation of the traders. The Chief Minister also requested the co-operation of the people to complete the work within the scheduled period.
PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju, who presided over the function, said the long-awaited project will change the face of the capital city.
The proposed flyover will connect Thakaraparambu and Power House Road, passing over the MG Road and thereby making the flow of traffic smooth. Originally planned as a 510-metre-long overbridge, its length has now been revised to 475 metres, which means that the Thakaraparambu flyover will be shorter than the one at Bakery. The number of piles, consequently, has been reduced to 75 from 83.
The Thakaraparambu Flyover is a major component of the first intermediate ring road passing through Vellayambalam Junction, Thycaud, Choorakkatupalayam, Power House Road, Thakaraparambu Road, Vazhappalli, Kavadi Road, Naalumukku, Kannammoola, Law, College, PMG, LMS and Museum. A flyover at Thakaraparambu was recommended by an expert committee headed by Dr N S Sreenivasan in 2002.
Transport Minister V S Sivakumar, Mayor K Chandrika, V Sivankutty MLA and TRIDA chairman P K Venugopal were also present at Wednesday’s function.