Construction of Alappuzha and Kollam bypasses will be completed in time so as to commission the roads by May 2018, Public Works Minister G. Sudhakaran has said. He was chairing a review meeting at the collectorate conference hall here on Monday.
About 70% of the Alappuzha bypass project has been completed. However, the construction of two rail overbridges is being hindered by the delay in getting approval from Railways. “Railways are demanding ₹7.13 crore as supervision charges. Now, the construction company will pay the amount and commence the works. The State government will reimburse the amount to the company. We have also approached the Centre seeking reduction in supervision charges,” Mr. Sudhakaran said.
Officials said that ₹148.30 crore had so far been given to the construction company. Construction of 58 deck slabs, 248 girders, 278 girder castings, 88 pier caps and piers had already been completed.
The Minister also directed authorities to refurbish the National Highway between Kommady and Pathirappally without delay.
PWD officials further told the meeting that 69% of Kollam bypass project had been completed, for which ₹146 crore had been utilised.
Granite shortage
The company representatives told the meeting that shortage of granite was hampering road construction. The Minister asked the Kollam District Collector to ensure the availability of granite.
Finance Minister T.M. Thomas Isaac, District Collector T.V. Anupama, and Construction Corporation Managing Director K.P. Prabhakaran were among those who attended the review meeting.
