Vazhayila-Nedumangad road project in trouble

Residents fearful of widespread displacement

The proposed Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB)-funded project to widen the Vazhayila–Nedumangad road has run into rough weather.

The residents, who will have to cede land for the project, are up in arms against the proposed alignment. The project involves developing the 11.5-km stretch into a four-lane road having a width of 21 metres. The existing stretch has an average width of 12 metres. While the initial estimate of the project was ₹348 crore, the outlay has been increased to ₹415.43 crore. Besides, an amount of ₹59.22 crore has been sanctioned for land acquisition.

Change in alignment

While the road widening of the stretch from Vazhayila to Pazhakutty is planned as a continuation of the development of the Vellayambalam-Vazhayila road, the alignment proposed by the government differs from the existing one.

According to joint action council co-convener Abdul Salam, the alignment will result in widespread displacement in the region. Close to 470 houses and numerous commercial establishments will have to be removed with the alignment passing through the densely populated areas of Nedumangad toll junction, Market junction, Kacherinada, Sathramukku and Pazhakutty.

“We are not against the road development project. However, it should not be at the expense of the local population and trading community. The Vellayambalam-Vazhayila road had been developed by sticking to the basic alignment and straightening curves at Kowdiar, Ambalamukku and Peroorkada. The government must follow the same here by maintaining the basic alignment of the existing road and straightening curves wherever necessary. The residents are willing to cede their land if the alignment is fixed as such. The ‘poramboke’ land on either side of the road must also be utilised,” Mr. Salam said.

The action council has also opposed fixing the design speed of the proposed road at 65 km/hr. Fearing that this could lead to a spate of accidents, they wanted the design speed be maintained at 45 km/hr — same as that of the Vellayambalam-Vazhayila road. They allege that the government has ignored their fears, despite petitioning to the Chief Minister and the Public Works Minister.