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The Hindu
20 hours ago
- The Hindu
Delay in restoring potholed, trenched roads in Kochi invites public wrath
The inordinate delay by civic agencies in restoring potholed roads and roads that were trenched earlier this year has resulted in members of the public approaching the police and courts seeking remedial measures. In the latest of such instances, Muhammed Firdouz A.V., a lawyer and resident of Thammanam, initially approached the police and later the court, alleging that road corridors were being indiscriminately trenched to lay water and LPG pipelines, often without the mandatory sanction from the civic agency concerned. 'On observing inordinate delay in restoring many road corridors in the city that had been trenched to lay water and LPG pipelines, I informed the police earlier this year of the plight of the crucial Thammanam-Pullepady Road and its eastward extension to the NH bypass. Although a contractor assured in the presence of the police that the trenched portions would be restored in a week, little was done. I subsequently filed an RTI query that revealed that many roads were being trenched without getting the permission of agencies that owned them,' he said, referring to the harrowing time that motorists and pedestrians faced as they travelled through Thammanam-Pullepady Road, Nandanath Kochako Road, Palarivattom-Thammanam Road, Mahakavi Vylopilly Road and P.J. Antony Road where there were improperly-restored trenches every few metres. 'Despite this, the local police and the District Police Chief were reluctant to register a case, following which I approached the Judicial First Class Magistrate Court-Ernakulam. The court directed the police to submit a report in this regard. The police report further reinforced that many of the roads were trenched sans permission of civic agencies concerned, probably to override the rule that the complete restoration work, including resurfacing, must be done within a month,' Mr. Firdouz added. Following this, the court ordered registration of cases against the contractors concerned and he filed a petition with the Palarivattom police, seeking registration of a non-bailable case under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. Interestingly, a circular issued by the Local Self-Government department says that roads that are trenched ought to be restored by relying on the same specification in which it had been resurfaced earlier. 'But most often, even roads that are paved as per BMBC specifications are often restored shoddily after trenching. I would shortly approach the High Court regarding this and also the deplorable condition of many other potholed or trenched roads where accidents and traffic hold-ups due to their condition have become common,' Mr Firdouz, who had earlier approached the court seeking a probe into toll collection for the Edappally-Thrissur NH 544 stretch, said. Mayor M. Anilkumar said that the restoration of trenched portions of Thammanam-Pullepady Road had begun. In addition, the Kochi Corporation is making efforts to prevail on the agencies and the contractors concerned to speed up restoration of the rest of the potholed and trenched roads. Motorists on the NHAI-owned Edappally-Aroor NH 66 Bypass too are affected by the shoddy condition of, among others, the western side of Vyttila Junction, where potholes abound.
New Indian Express
03-06-2025
- New Indian Express
Court orders police probe into illegal road digging in Kochi
KOCHI: The Ernakulam First Class Judicial Magistrate Court has directed the police to register a case and conduct a probe against those responsible for illegally digging up and damaging public roads in the Palarivattom area. The directive was issued based on a complaint filed by Advocate Firdous Ammanath. In his complaint, Firdous alleged roads were unlawfully dug up for laying pipelines and gas lines without proper permission from city corporation, causing significant damage. When he approached the Palarivattom police, they allegedly refused to register a case, after which he moved court, Firdous said. After the petition was filed, the police submitted a report in court confirming that the roads in question were dug up without obtaining any official sanction. The police also said that an investigation was necessary to identify the culprits and collect evidence, after which appropriate action will be taken. The court then issued the order to begin an investigation. Firdous said the offence falls under the Prevention of Damage to Public Property Act. He said the PJ Antony Road in Palarivattom, Mahakavi Vyloppilly Road, Nandanath Kochacko Road and Thammanam-Pullepady Road were all constructed as per BMBC standards, and hence, must be restored accordingly. However, the restoration in many areas was substandard, often involving poor-quality concrete work, which he alleged was illegal. The Palarivattom police will register an FIR upon getting the court order. 'After the police file the FIR, I will approach the Kerala High Court about other roads in Kochi being dug up in a similar fashion,' Firdous alleged.
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
PWD approves 10cr for road devpt & school building work
T'puram: Administrative approval was granted by public works department (PWD) for Rs 5 crore each for the modernization of the Kannammoola-Ayyankali Nagar-Nellikuzhi road in Kazhakkoottam constituency and for constructing a new building at Koonthalloor Prem Nazir Memorial GHSS in Chirayinkeezhu constituency. The 1.56km Kannammoola-Nellikuzhi road will be upgraded to BMBC standards. The road renovation includes tasks such as the removal of 4,212 cubic metres of soil. The need to demolish the existing building for the construction of a new facility at Koonthalloor school will be assessed by chief engineer of PWD's building division. PWD minister PA Mohamed Riyas, said that instructions were given to complete the tender processes and finish the work as quickly as possible. TNN
Time of India
29-04-2025
- Business
- Time of India
KIIFB's transformative touch: Infrastructure, education, and healthcare thrive across Kerala constituencies
KIIFB's transformative touch: Infrastructure, education, and healthcare thrive across Kerala constituencies Ollur has emerged as one of the constituencies that has greatly benefited from KIIFB 's development initiatives. Under the leadership of Revenue Minister K Rajan, the constituency has undergone significant infrastructure improvements over the past nine years. Among the standout projects is the Puthur Zoological Park, which has elevated tourism to world-class standards and exemplifies KIIFB's transformative impact. Additionally, all Public Works Department (PWD) roads in the constituency have been upgraded to BMBC standards with KIIFB's support. K. Rajan, minister for revenue and housing During the LDF government, the construction of four major bridges, including the Nedumpuzha flyover, was completed, marking a milestone in Ollur's infrastructure. KIIFB has allocated Rs 560 crore for various development projects in the constituency, making Ollur a key beneficiary of these funds. Notable allocations include Rs 24 crore for the Banana and Honey Park in Kannara. Furthermore, nearly all schools in the constituency have received KIIFB funding for development activities, such as Poothur Vocational Higher Secondary School, Peechi Govt. Higher Secondary School, Peechi LP School, Pattikkad Govt. LP School, Asharikkad LP School, Nedupuzha JBL LP School, and Kattilapoovam School, Moorkanikkara Govt. UP School, Ollur School and Pattikkad Government Higher Secondary School, Ancheri Govt. School. In terms of road development, the constituency has seen remarkable progress. KIIFB has provided Rs 10 crore for the Sreedhari Bridge and related roads, Rs 36 crore for the Nedupuzha Railway Overpass, Rs 35 crore for the Mannuthi-Edakunnu road, and Rs 65 crore for the Peechi Vazhani Tourism Corridor road. Other roads receiving funding include Rs 36 crore for the Kannara Moorkinikkara road and Rs 18 crore for the Nedupuzha-Pandinar Kota road, among others. Ollur continues to thrive, with KIIFB playing a pivotal role in its transformation, ensuring substantial development across education, infrastructure, and tourism sectors. J. Chinchurani, minister for animal husbandry and dairy development Several transformative projects are underway in the Chadayamangalam constituency, thanks to the support of KIIFB, which continues to play a pivotal role in advancing development across the state. Minister for Animal Husbandry and Dairy Development, J. Chinchurani, who represents Chadayamangalam, remarked that KIIFB is a driving force behind Kerala's grassroots development. Notable allocations include Rs 11.75 crore for the construction of a new mini civil station and Rs 8.20 crore for the sub-registrar's office in Chadayamangalam. The minister highlighted the Rs 3.73 crore provided by KIIFB for the renovation of Kadakkal market, with construction already underway. Additionally, Rs 8 crore has been earmarked for the development of Ambalamkunnu Road-Vila Porayidom Road. KIIFB has also allocated Rs1 crore each for the construction and enhancement of various government school buildings, along with Rs 3 crore for a high school building under the Kummil government. Schools such as Kadakkal UP School, GHS Thevannoor, and GHS Karuvannur have each been granted Rs 3 crore for development. Through these initiatives, KIIFB continues to play a significant role in transforming the infrastructure and educational landscape of Chadayamangalam, creating lasting improvements for the community. O. R. Kelu, minister of welfare of scheduled castes, scheduled tribes & backward classes KIIFB has played a crucial role in transforming Mananthavady , a region rich in history, while preserving its distinct identity. Development activities have rejuvenated the constituency, which previously faced challenges such as deteriorated roads and inadequate hospitals. The district hospital in Mananthavady was among the most affected, struggling with insufficient facilities, a lack of doctors, and limited treatment options. With KIIFB's assistance, the hospital has been upgraded to a state-of-the-art super-speciality facility, supported by Rs 46 crore in funding. Another significant challenge for Mananthavady was its broken roads, worsened by two devastating floods that ravaged Kerala. KIIFB provided the financial resources needed to address this issue, enabling landmark projects like the Rs 122 crore hilly highway. The Mananthavady-Pakranthalam road, once heavily damaged, has been reconstructed to BMBC standards, spanning 6 km at a cost of Rs 17 crore. This road now connects Mananthavady to Kozhikode district via Kuttiadi. Additionally, the Mananthavady-Kaithakkal road, linking Mananthavady with South Wayanad, has been completed with Rs 46 crore in funding. The road to Kannur, which was rendered impassable due to the floods, has also been reconstructed with KIIFB's support, restoring connectivity to the region. The lack of access to clean drinking water was another pressing concern for Mananthavady's residents. KIIFB funded the Chuttakkadavu drinking water project with Rs 18 crore, ensuring the supply of clean water to villages like Mananthavady parish and Nallur Nadu . As part of this initiative, 77 km of new pipelines were installed, replacing the old network and bringing water to previously underserved remote areas. KIIFB has also driven significant progress in the education sector. Notably, the Mananthavady Government Vocational Higher Secondary School has been transformed into an institution of international standards. To address the lack of facilities, a multi-story building with 20 classrooms, a kitchen block, and a dining room accommodating 400 children was constructed with Rs5 crore in funding from KIIFB. Further support includes Rs 3 crore each for high schools such as Kattikkalam School, Panamaram School, and Vellamunda School. Through KIIFB's interventions, Mananthavady has witnessed remarkable development across healthcare, infrastructure, education, and water access, creating a brighter future for the community. Visit KIIFB's official website to learn more about it. Disclaimer - The above content is non-editorial, and TIL hereby disclaims any and all warranties, expressed or implied, relating to it, and does not guarantee, vouch for or necessarily endorse any of the content Stay informed with the latest business news, updates on bank holidays and public holidays . Master Value & Valuation with ET! Learn to invest smartly & decode financials. Limited seats at 33% off – Enroll now!
The Hindu
22-04-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
All PWD roads in State to be upgraded to BM BC standard: Riyas
Tourism Minister P.A. Mohammed Riyas on Tuesday announced that all PWD roads in State will soon be upgraded to Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete (BM BC) standard. He said 60% of the 30,000 km road network under the PWD has already been upgraded. He was speaking after inaugurating the renovated Killiyalam-Vamanjoor-Banam-Kmmadam road and the reconstructed bridge over the Kiliyalam canal. The 10km long stretch was widened to 10 metres and the new bridge was completed using Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board funds. Mr. Riyas credited the Constituency monitoring team formed in all 140 assembly segments for expediting road renovation projects across the State. The Minister described the project as 'gift' to the Kanhangad constituency, coinciding with the State government's fourth anniversary. The upgraded stretch passes through Kinanoor-Karinthalam and Kodom Belur panchayats. The project included sub base strengthening, BM BC tarring and construction of drains and culverts. The even was presided over by E. Chandrasekharan, MLA. Rajmohan Unnithan, MP, M. Rajagopalan, MLA and District Panchayat president Baby Balakrishnan were among the dignitaries present. Panchayat and political leaders from various parties and department attended.
