The work for widening the Statue junction in Tripunithura has begun but as things look, it’s going to be a long-haul journey with hurdles.
The municipal authorities began the job by razing encroachments — to be specific, 7 shops of eight. One shop still stands as the owner of the medicine outlet produced a High Court direction in 2007, which directs the authorities to conduct a hearing. “We were not aware of such a direction, but nevertheless it will be complied with,” said R. Venugopal, chairman of Tripunithura municipal council.
But even if that lone shop is taken down, it isn’t a smooth road ahead. The government has to acquire land on the other side of the road to shape the junction into a bell mouth to smoothen the sharp corners. And it might take another year. Though a round of talks between the Collector and land owners are over, nothing has evolved out of the meeting.
Opposition leader in Tripunithura municipality C.N. Sundaran said land acquisition would become a reality only with a rehabilitation package. “We have mooted a rehabilitation package for the traders,” he said.
The plot opposite the Municipal Office where the PWD Office stands can be renovated to provide room for traders on the ground floor while moving the PWD office to the upper floor, said Mr. Sundaran. He said the displaced traders would get prime place to continue their trade.
