‘Vyttila flyover to be ready by 2019’

Tender process for the project expected to commence by July 4; contractor to be selected thereafter

The government has already granted administrative sanction for the construction of the flyover at an estimated cost of ₹95.75 crore.

KOCHI: The construction of the proposed Vyttila flyover is expected to be completed by the middle of 2019, according to an affidavit filed by the State government in the Kerala High Court.

In the affidavit, the Public Works Department (PWD) said a detailed project report (DPR) was being examined by the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB), which was expected to give its approval at its meeting scheduled for July 21.

The Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), a special purpose vehicle designated for the project, had informed the government that on obtaining the approval of KIIFB (the funding agency), tender process would begin on obtaining technical sanction within two weeks from the date of approval.

The tender process is expected to commence by July 4 after the approval, and it is likely to be completed and a contractor selected by November 11. The period fixed for the completion of the project is 18 months. The government will make all efforts to ensure that the project is completed within the stipulated time. The government submitted that it had granted administrative sanction for the construction of the flyover at an estimated cost of ₹95.75 crore in June 17, after KRFB had furnished a DPR. The court had directed the State government that the construction of the flyover should be completed at an early date as it affected the movement of passengers and vehicles. It made the observation while hearing a public interest writ petition seeking an early completion of the flyover. Meanwhile, the flyover will be constructed by the government, as it does not want to burden the public by collecting toll.

Easing congestion

In his petition, Mr. Francis Manjooran pointed out that the proposed flyover would ease traffic congestion at the busy junction.

The foundation stone for the project was laid by former Chief Minister Oommen Chandy in February 2016.

It was then announced that the flyover would be commissioned by September 2017.

The fate of the project was now uncertain owing to lack of coordination between various departments, he added.

He had alleged that the authorities were still in the dark about the project. In fact, ₹10 crore had been spent on three study reports on the project.

There is now a move to commission another study.

The petitioner had sought a directive to the government to complete the construction with a provision for free passage to Vyttila Hub and other State highways.