After a long wait of 46 years, the four-laning of Kazhakuttam-Karode NH bypass project finally started today (1\/09\/2015).<\/p>\n
Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari laid the foundation stone for the first phase \u2014 from Kazhakuttam to Mukkola \u2014 of the four-lane bypass project.\u00a0 Chief Minister Oommen Chandy presided over the function which was held at Kazhakuttam.<\/p>\n
This is one of the most expensive project the capital receives which comes to around Rs 2,000 crore.<\/p><\/blockquote>\n
The first phase of four-laning works of the 26-kilometre stretch will be carried out by Hyderabad-based contractor KNR constructions.\u00a0 The project will be executed in Engineering, Procurement and Construction mode (EPC) mode for the first time in the state.<\/p>\n
Most expensive road project in capital<\/h3>\n
This is one of the most expensive project the capital receives which comes to around Rs 2,000 crore. The civil work alone costs Rs 669 crores and the shifting of utilities, replanting of trees and other works will take the total cost to Rs 854 crore. The second phase of the project from Mukkola to Karode will cost Rs 1,200 crore alone. The project is expected to be completed by 2019.<\/p>\n
Flyovers, underpasses and bridges<\/h3>\n
There will be 2 underpass and 3 main bridges along the stretch. Underpass will come at Chakkai and Mukkola while there will be bridges at Akkulam, Thiruvallom and Kottukal. Apart from these, there will be 2 flyovers and 5 small bridges at various places along the stretch.<\/p>\n
Land acquisition remains in second phase<\/h3>\n
In the second phase, about 30% of land acquisition still remains to be completed.\u00a0 Some residents of Kottukal, Kanjiramkulam, Thirupuram, Chenkal and Karode villages are yet to be compensated for the land acquired. From the allotted fund of Rs 440 crore for the land acquisition for the second phase, Rs 331 crore has been dispersed among those who have surrendered land.<\/p>\n
Only minimum number of trees will be cut<\/h3>\n
NHAI will ensure that only minimum number of trees would be cut. Only those trees which obstruct the construction of the four-lane road will be cut, everything else will be preserved. Some trees will be retained on the median while some trees will be replanted to convenient locations. Usually Trees are not allowed on the median in any NH all over India. Howver, NHAI gave an exception.<\/p>\n