Latest news with #KeralaInfrastructureInvestmentFundBoard
Time of India
12 hours ago
- Business
- Time of India
Landowners to receive compensation next week
T'puram: After years of delay, the pending compensation for landowners who surrendered their property for Kodinada-Vazhimukku stretch of Karamana-Kaliyikkavila Road development project is finally set to be disbursed. As many as 52 landowners are expected to receive their dues by next week. Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) approved a compensation package of Rs 104 crore, paving way for the next phase of the road development. The disbursal comes after sustained pressure from locals, public representatives and a renewed push by govt to expedite stalled infrastructure projects. Confirming the development, Parassala MLA C K Hareendran said govt assured that compensation process will be completed without further delay. "I received a clear assurance from the state govt that the compensation amount will be disbursed next week," Hareendran said. "The KIIFB already sanctioned the amount and all procedural steps have been completed. This is a major relief for the landowners," he added. The 1.5km Kodinada to Vazhimukku stretch is a critical segment of the wider Karamana-Kaliyikkavila road development project, which aims to improve connectivity in southern region of the city and decongest the busy NH-66 corridor. With the compensation issue nearing resolution, govt is preparing to float the construction tender for this stretch in July. Officials said the groundwork for tendering has already begun and once compensation reaches the landowners, PWD will initiate the formal process. Karamana-Kaliyikkavila project saw multiple delays since its announcement, mainly due to land acquisition hurdles and fund disbursal bottlenecks. Despite the delay in compensation, demolition work already commenced along the project stretch, starting from Vazhimukku towards Balaramapuram. A contractor based in Kunjalumoodu is currently handling the demolition, with buildings being razed at both the Balaramapuram and Kodinada ends.
The Hindu
12 hours ago
- General
- The Hindu
Praveshanolsavam marks school reopening in district
Praveshanolsavam became a vibrant affair in schools in the district on Monday as part of the new academic year. Much after their parents had dropped them off with lots of assurances, some young ones starting school remained inconsolable despite their new bags, bottles, and uniform. Yet, there was no dearth in smiles and the sight of children getting happy at seeing their peers. Children, in their innocence, had their fair share of awe at the newly-painted classrooms and colourful decorations. In many schools, students were greeted with gifts, sweets, and crafts, making Day One welcoming. Teachers too chipped in with their gags while receiving the tiny tots. The State-level Praveshanolsavam was telecast in all schools. Minister for Food and Civil Supplies G.R. Anil inaugurated the district-level Praveshanolsavam at Government Higher Secondary School, Kavalayoor, Attingal, on Monday. Recalling the State's progress in the area of education, the Minister highlighted the infrastructure development undertaken in schools in recent years. On the academic front, two weeks of bridging exercise would help students transition to this year's syllabus and make them aware of a range of issues, such as personal hygiene, cleanliness, preventing violence, need for emotional control, keeping public property safe, legal awareness, health check-ups, social media addiction and dangers of substance abuse. Praveshanolsavam of today, he said, is very different from what they used to be. As the elaborate affair it was once, they were much liked by students reaching school for the first time, he pointed out. O.S. Ambika, MLA, presided over the function. The Minister also inaugurated a new building for the school constructed using ₹30 lakh from Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board and ₹18 lakh from the MLA's asset development fund. District panchayat president D. Suresh Kumar was present on the occasion.
New Indian Express
6 days ago
- Business
- New Indian Express
Maharaja's College, a living chapter in nation's history, says CM; launches one-year-long fete
KOCHI: Maharaja's College, Ernakulam is not just an institution, it's an emotion, said Industries Minister P Rajeeve, as Kerala's legendary campus launched its post-150th-year platinum jubilee celebrations on Tuesday. At the heart of the celebrations was the inauguration of a grand new auditorium funded by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), a fitting tribute to the legacy and future of one of India's most iconic colleges. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan, who formally launched the year-long celebration, hailed the college as a bastion of Kerala's political, cultural, and intellectual development. 'Maharaja's is not just a college. It is a living chapter in the nation's history,' Pinarayi said. 'From leading the khadi movement to championing Hindi language propagation, the students and faculty here have always stood at the forefront of national and social transformation.'
Time of India
23-05-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Ente Keralam fair showcases Kerala's progress, achievements in Pathanamthitta and Kochi as part of Pinarayi Vijayan Government's fourth anniversary celebrations
The Pinarayi Vijayan government is implementing 25 years' worth of development within a single term, said Veena George, Minister for Health, Women and Child Development. She was inaugurating the Ente Keralam Exhibition Marketing and Cultural Fair at the Sabarimala transit camp in Pathanamthitta as part of the state government's fourth anniversary celebrations. 'Over the past nine years, Kerala has witnessed extraordinary development across all sectors—including health, higher education, public works, agriculture, and tourism. Through KIIFB (Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board), revolutionary changes have been brought to infrastructure development, with projects worth crores of rupees executed efficiently in one go. Classrooms in schools have been made smart. Rural roads have been built to BMBC standards. Konni Medical College has become the face of development in the district, with the fourth batch of students soon to begin. Postgraduate courses will be launched in the near future. Major construction projects are underway at Pathanamthitta and Adoor General Hospitals. Nursing colleges have been established. The development of the Highland Highway has been accelerated. Work is progressing toward starting an IT park in the district, and land for the same has been identified. The fair provides the public with an opportunity to witness the government's developmental achievements firsthand. Cultural programs are held every day, and government services are available free of cost', the Minister shared. In his presidential address, Deputy Speaker of the Legislative Assembly Chittayam Gopakumar stated that the past nine years have seen inclusive development at every level. Through the LIFE Mission, the dream of homeownership for the poor has come true. Land titles have been distributed, and special development programs have been implemented for the upliftment of marginalised communities. The digital land survey is in its final stages. The government has made Nava Kerala a reality for the people, he said. Other dignitaries present included Adv. Pramod Narayanan MLA, District Panchayat President George Abraham, District Collector S. Prem Krishnan, District Police Chief V. G. Vinod Kumar, Sub-Collector Sumit Kumar Thakur, ADM B. Jyothi, District Information Officer C. T. John, and representatives from various political parties. The vibrant Ente Keralam Mega Exhibition Marketing and Cultural Fair kicked off on Friday, May 16, at the Sabarimala Transit Camp in Pathanamthitta, showcasing nine years of developmental achievements under the Pinarayi Vijayan government. The fair was inaugurated at 5:00 PM by Veena George, Minister for Health, Women and Child Development. Deputy Speaker of the Kerala Legislative Assembly, Chittayam Gopakumar, presided over the function. The fair ran until May 22 and presented the impressive and revolutionary development strides made by the government. The exhibition was open daily from 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM, and entry was free. The event stood as a testament to the revival of many projects once deemed impossible. It featured 186 air-conditioned stalls spread across five German hangars, covering a total area of 71,000 square feet. Each stall measured 65 square feet, and the entire setup was maintained with 660 tons of air conditioning. A special pavilion was arranged for cultural performances and a mega food festival, where 250 people could dine and enjoy programs simultaneously. The Kudumbashree Mission managed the food court. Another major attraction was a 1,500 square foot air-conditioned mini cinema theatre, which screened films from various eras. From 10:00 AM to 9:00 PM daily, the fair hosted: ● Agriculture and marketing exhibitions ● Caravan tourism area ● Career guidance sessions ● Startup mission exhibits ● Science and technology displays ● Sports exhibitions ● School market ● Free government services ● Sports and recreational activities ● Police dog shows Entry to all events and exhibits was completely free. Embed: Embed: The rapid transformation of Kochi is a prime example of the state government's commitment to the people, said Industries Minister P. Rajeev. He was speaking at the inauguration of the Ente Keralam (My Kerala) Mega Exhibition-Cum-Sales Fair held at Marine Drive, Ernakulam, as part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government. Brahmapuram has now become a matter of pride for people in Kochi. To permanently solve the drinking water issues faced by Kochi Corporation and 13 nearby local bodies, including Thrikkakara, Maradu, and Kalamassery, the Cabinet has approved the establishment of a 190 MLD (Million Litres per Day) water treatment plant in Aluva. Significant advancements have also been achieved in the health sector. The government shares that the construction of the Kochi Cancer Research Centre will be completed by the end of May or early June. The Super Speciality Block at Ernakulam Medical College is in its final phase and is expected to be inaugurated by July, the minister said. A sum of Rs 3,716 crore has been sanctioned for the canal rejuvenation project, which will transform Kochi's landscape. The Integrated Urban Development, Water Regeneration, and Sewage Treatment Project will interconnect six major canals in the city. This project will greatly boost tourism and water transport in Kochi. Further development of the Marine Drive has also received in-principle approval. Kochi has seen a major leap in infrastructure development as well. The expansion of the National Highway is progressing rapidly, and the Kakkanad Reach of Kochi Metro is under construction. The Invest Kerala Global Investors Meet held in Kochi has attracted investments worth Rs 196,000 crore. Similar progress has been achieved in the education and IT sectors. Unlike the tradition of assessing a government only after five years, Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan introduced the practice of presenting an annual progress report to the public—an innovative model now recognised globally. As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations, district-level meetings, regional review sessions, and direct interactions with representatives from various sectors are being organised. The Ente Keralam exhibition-cum-sales fair brings together a snapshot of the government's comprehensive development initiatives, departmental services, and cultural programs. At the inauguration, keys to newly constructed homes under the LIFE Mission were handed over to five beneficiaries. Additionally, land ownership documents were handed over to five landless families who received land under the LIFE scheme. The inauguration ceremony was presided over by MLA K.J. Maxi. MLA Antony John, District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, Kochi Mayor Adv. Anil Kumar, Fort Kochi Sub-Collector, K. Meera, Kochi Corporation Education Standing Committee Chairman, V.R. Sreejith, Additional District Magistrate, Vinod Raj, Deputy Director of the Information & Public Relations Department. Nijas Jewel, District Information Officer N.B. Biju, and General Manager of the District Industries Centre P.A. Najeeb also attended. As part of the fourth anniversary celebrations of the second Pinarayi Vijayan government, which advanced with a focus on welfare-oriented development and the building of a New Kerala—the Ente Keralam Mega Exhibition-Cum-Sales Fair began (May 17) at Kochi Marine Drive in Ernakulam district. The fair was inaugurated by Industries Minister P. Rajeev, according to District Collector N.S.K. Umesh, during a press conference. 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.
The Hindu
16-05-2025
- Business
- The Hindu
NH-66 widening project to be completed in December this year: P.A. Mohamed Riyas
Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohamed Riyas said here on Friday that the widening of the National Highway (NH)-66 stretch from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram into a six-lane facility will be completed in December this year. Mr. Riyas was presiding over the inauguration, held at Manaveeyam Veedhi, of over 50 roads constructed by the Public Works department (PWD) in different districts and the 12 smart roads in Thiruvananthapuram city developed under the Smart City project. Mr. Riyas said that 166 km of the proposed 1,166 km Hill Highway has been completed. 793 km of this project are being funded through the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB). Work on 315 km is under way, he said. BM, BC technology Three reaches of the nearly 600-km Coastal Highway project have been completed, Mr. Riyas said. The roads inaugurated on Friday, including the 12 Smart City roads, have been constructed using Bituminous Macadam and Bituminous Concrete (BM and BC) technology, he said. The Left Democratic Front (LDF) government has been able to develop 15,000 km of the PWD roads using this technology in three-and-a-half years, he said. By 2026, 65% of the roads in Kerala will be developed using BM and BC technology, according to Mr. Riyas. 'Link people' Minister for General Education V. Sivankutty formally inaugurated the completed PWD roads and the smart roads. These roads serve to link people and speed up development, Mr. Sivankutty said. The smart roads, developed by the Kerala Road Fund Board, have underground ducts for utilities, tiled footpaths, rebuilt sewerage lines and cycle tracks. They also have special chambers that allow repairs to be carried out without digging up the roads. Ministers G.R. Anil and A.K. Saseendran, Mayor Arya Rajendran, and MLAs Antony Raju, V.K. Prasanth and V. Joy were also present.
