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New Indian Express
23-07-2025
- Business
- New Indian Express
SN Junction–Poothotta road widening revived after decade-long delay
KOCHI: A key project aimed at easing the traffic congestion in Tripunithura and its surrounding areas, which has languished in the backburner for nearly a decade, is finally set to become a reality. The Rs 672-crore project to widen the 13-km SN Junction-Poothotta stretch into a four-lane road has been revived with the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) completing the crucial realignment process, paving the way for immediate land acquisition. 'Land acquisition for the SN Jn-Poothotta road widening will begin soon,' MLA K Babu told TNIE. First included in the state budget in 2017, the delay in implementing the project has significantly worsened traffic woes in Tripunithura, a burgeoning residential hub on Kochi's outskirts. Residents have long grappled with slow-moving traffic, particularly along this vital corridor that connects key residential areas to the city. KRFB's recent completion of the realignment process marks a major breakthrough. The step not only finalises land requirements but also incorporates vital enhancements to the original plan. As part of the renewed project, nine key junctions -- including Kizhakkekotta, Nadakkavu, Kannankulangara, Puthenkavu and Udayamperoor -- along the stretch will see development like the construction of bell-mouths, promising smoother traffic flow and reduced bottlenecks. Additionally, 12 new bus bays will be constructed, providing designated stops that prevent buses from obstructing traffic, thereby improving overall road safety and public transport efficiency. 'We've submitted the revised alignment and also the request for 11 (1) notification, the crucial step for land acquisition, to the district collector. After this, the 19 (1) notification will have to be issued when the compensation amount for land owners will be determined,' a senior KRFB official said. Post realignment, the total land to be acquired for the project has risen to 13.12 hectares from the earlier 12.62 hectares. Acquisition often represents the most challenging and time-consuming aspect of infrastructure projects in densely populated areas. The official, however, promised quick implementation.
Time of India
19-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Relief ahead for Thiruvananthapuram's eastern suburbs as road upgrade gains pace
Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) has granted technical sanction for the second phase of the Vazhayila–Nedumangad road development project, covering the Karakulam to Valicode stretch. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now This section is now cleared for tendering, and the long-awaited upgrade is one step closer to easing travel for residents of Thiruvananthapuram's eastern suburbs. KRFB is expected to float the tender within two weeks, pending approval from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), which is likely within the next week. Once approved, tendering and construction are expected to begin without delay. Minister for food and civil supplies and local MLA, G R Anil, confirmed the development. "The tender for the second reach is moving ahead at a fast pace. Once KIIFB gives cost concurrence, the tender will be floated by the end of this month," he told TOI. He said the first phase of the project, stretching from Vazhayila to Karakulam is nearing completion and is expected to be opened to the public by Dec 2025. The second reach from Karakulam to Valicode is targeted for completion and opening by March 2026, while the third and final stretch, from Valicode to Nedumangad town, is slated for tendering in Sept and is expected to become operational by May 2026. Under the current regulations, at least 80% of land acquisition payout must be completed before a tender can be floated. For the second phase, around 90% of compensation has already been disbursed to affected landowners, effectively clearing a key procedural hurdle. The entire Vazhayila–Nedumangad corridor upgrade, spanning approximately 12km, is one of the most ambitious road development efforts currently underway in the district. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now Once completed, it is expected to significantly decongest traffic on the existing narrow stretch, improve commute times and boost economic activity in the suburban regions of the capital. This is also part of the Thiruvananthapuram-Tenkasi interstate highway. The project faced several delays over the years due to challenges in land acquisition, fund approvals and alignment changes. However, with the KIIFB-backed funding mechanism now in place and compensation procedures nearly complete, the project is finally moving forward at an accelerated pace. Locals have welcomed the developments, expressing hope that the road, once widened and modernised, would not only ease daily travel but also reduce accident rates, which have been a persistent concern along the current alignment. The upgraded road will also support improved public transport connectivity and is expected to serve as a crucial feeder corridor for traffic heading toward Nedumangad, Aryanad, Vithura and Ponmudi, a key tourist destination in the region. KIIFB is funding the project and the KRFB is the implementing agency. The govt previously sanctioned Rs 338.53 crore for the project, with Rs 279.31 crore allocated for road work and Rs 59.22 crore for land acquisition.
Time of India
01-07-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Meet decides to fast-track Thammanam-Pullepady Road work
Kochi: A joint meeting convened by mayor M Anilkumar and district collector NSK Umesh on Tuesday decided to expedite work on Thammanam-Pullepady Road. As part of it, the meeting decided to complete a social impact assessment (SIA) study at the earliest. Officials were directed to complete the land acquisition swiftly to enable beginning of construction activities by year end. The 4(1) notification for the Thammanam-Pullepady Road was issued on April 10. Revenue department officials said that the land acquired would be handed over to Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) once the procedures were completed. Data collection for social impact study has already begun. After completing social impact study, the 11(1) notification will be issued. Before the issuance of the 19(1) notification, the mayor requested the removal of electric poles and other obstacles from the acquired land to begin temporary road metalling. Once the compensation is provided, land will be acquired from all landowners. KIFB has been instructed to prepare an estimate for removing obstacles, including potholes, from the stretch. Get the latest lifestyle updates on Times of India, along with Doctor's Day 2025 , messages and quotes!
Time of India
18-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Govt approves official title for Vattiyoorkavu project, KRFB set to float tender soon
Thiruvananthapuram: The state govt finally approved the nomenclature for the long-awaited Vattiyoorkavu road project, clearing a major administrative hurdle that stalled the project for months. Finance department's approval, granted on June 11, allows the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), the implementing agency, to move forward with floating the tender for the project. Originally known as 'Vattiyoorkavu Junction Development', the scope of the initiative was later expanded to include road development from Sasthamangalam to Mannarakonam via Vattiyoorkavu. This led the govt to mandate a more comprehensive title —'Vattiyoorkavu Road and Junction Development'. However, the delay in finalising the name held up the entire tendering process, despite preliminary demolition works nearing completion. Vattiyoorkavu MLA V K Prasanth confirmed that all roadblocks were resolved. "A revised detailed project report (DPR) is currently being prepared and will be submitted soon for approval by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). However, this DPR approval will not delay the floating of tenders," he told TOI. by Taboola by Taboola Sponsored Links Sponsored Links Promoted Links Promoted Links You May Like 5 Books Warren Buffett Wants You to Read In 2025 Blinkist: Warren Buffett's Reading List Undo Prasanth added that with tenders likely to be floated by July or Aug, the project was expected to move into the construction phase by Sept this year. The project is being executed in three major phases. The first section spans from Sasthamangalam to Mannarakonam via Maruthankuzhy. The second phase continues from Mannarakonam to Peroorkada through Mannamoola, while the final section stretches from Vattiyoorkavu to Vazhayila via Nettayam. These segments collectively form a 10.75km corridor that is among the busiest in the city. The total cost of the project is estimated at Rs 385 crore. The public works department (PWD) will oversee the technical execution, which includes widening the road to 18.5m and upgrading it to a four-lane carriageway with a 0.5m median. The design aims to streamline traffic flow and significantly reduce congestion across this vital route. To mitigate the impact on local businesses affected by land acquisition, the govt has allocated three acres between Mannarakonam and Thoppumukku to construct a shopping complex. This facility will accommodate over 200 shops. Contractors have been deployed to raze about 487 buildings along the Sasthamangalam–Mannarakonam 3.7km stretch. This includes 174 structures on the left and 181 on the right. The project was first conceptualised in 2016 as part of a broader Thiruvananthapuram road-improvement agenda spearheaded by KRFB, TRIDA, PWD and local govt bodies. Initial cost estimates stood at Rs 341.79 crore, with Rs 95 crore earmarked for land acquisition and Rs 219.75 crore for actual road works. Land acquisition across all three reaches already notified includes approximately 273.6 ares, roughly 6.76 acres, stretching across Sasthamangalam, Vattiyoorkavu and Peroorkada. The infrastructure design includes not just the widened four-lane road but also footpaths and street lighting, enhancing pedestrian safety and urban mobility.
Time of India
11-06-2025
- Business
- Time of India
Cabinet approves 10% increase in Plus One seats in unaided schools
T'puram: The cabinet approved a 10% marginal increase in Plus One seats for the 2025–26 academic year in unaided higher secondary schools with govt recognition. The increase will apply only to schools that request it and are found eligible as per norms by the director of general education. Tired of too many ads? go ad free now The decision is subject to the Election Commission's approval. Airstrip feasibility study tender approved: Govt cleared the tender submitted by RITES-KIFCON to carry out feasibility studies for proposed airstrips in Idukki, Kasaragod and Wayanad. Medical aid for handball player: Financial assistance of Rs 1,50,051 was sanctioned from the chief minister's distress relief fund for Prajila, a participant in the 44th Junior Girls National Handball Championship held in Uttar Pradesh, who suffered injuries during the event. New govt pleaders for high court: The cabinet approved appointment of new senior govt pleaders and govt pleaders at the high court. Senior govt pleaders appointed include P G Pramod, Vidya Kuriyakose, E C Bineesh, Shyamprashanth T S and Ashi M C. Govt pleaders appointed are Jassi S Salim, Sunilnath N B, U Jayakrishnan, Hasthamol N S, V A Haritha and Ajith Murali. District pleader appointed: Lejitha D'Cruz P B was appointed as Alappuzha district govt pleader and public prosecutor. CBG plant in Kozhikode: The cabinet approved setting up of a compressed bio gas (CBG) plant at Njaliyamparamba under Kozhikode municipal corporation. Bharat Petroleum Corporation Ltd will be entrusted with the project. Loan guaranteed for cashew board: A govt guarantee was sanctioned for a six-month ad-hoc credit loan of Rs 50 crore from Kerala Bank to the Kerala Cashew Board Ltd. Bus stand complex with multi-level parking: Approval was granted for a bus stand complex cum multi-level car parking project at Parassinikadavu in Anthoor municipality, Thaliparamba constituency. The project will be executed with KIIFB's financial assistance under its annual borrowing plan, with Impact Kerala as the implementing agency. Temporary posts in KRFB: Temporary posts of administrative officer, senior superintendent and junior superintendent will be created in Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) for appointments on a deputation basis.
