THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The World Bank Mission, which is here to review Phase II of Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) has given in principle approval for the heavy maintenance of 500 km roads in the state. The proposal in this regard was moved by PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju during the meeting with WB Mission members on Tuesday.
The World Bank Mission is reviewing the Phase II of KSTP covering 367.40 km.
According to PWD sources, the Mission has expressed satisfaction over the roads developed under Phase I of the project.
The Mission also agreed to add a 10-year maintenance contract with the agreement.
This may result in the enhancement of project allocation by 15 to 20 percent for which the state will have to get the clearance of the Department of Economic Affairs.
The KSTP Phase II works will begin with the upgradation of Thaliparamba-Iritty road. Tender proceedings will begin by the end of this month. The PWD Minister also asked the WB members to simultaneously start the works on other roads under the project.
World Bank Mission leader Simon Ellis, senior transport engineer Arnab Bandyopadhyay, KSTP project director N Prasanth, chief engineer Pennamma and COO of Kerala Road Fund Board P C Harikesh attended the meeting.