Thiruvananthapuram, October 8 (Daily Kiran) : Central Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has assured Kerala Chief Minister V.D. Satheesan that efforts will be made to expedite the delayed work on National Highway 66. During a meeting in New Delhi, Satheesan discussed several key road and transport projects in the state with Gadkari.
Gadkari confirmed that the construction on NH-66 would be accelerated, addressing the ongoing delays. He also promised that the necessary approvals for the NH-966 Kozhikode-Palakkad project would be granted within three months. Notably, about 80% of the land acquisition for this project has already been completed.
Another significant topic during the meeting was the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road. Gadkari indicated that the required central cabinet approval for this project would be obtained soon. The availability of construction materials for highway projects was also discussed, highlighting the need to expedite the supply of river sand and mined materials.
Additionally, discussions included the proposed Sabarimala ropeway project, with an agreement to expedite the preparation of a detailed project report and secure necessary approvals from both central and state authorities. The goal is to complete this project within two years.
Satheesan also urged for swift progress on the Western Ernakulam bypass, the Kothamangalam-Muvattupuzha bypass, and connectivity to Kozhikode International Airport. He met with Defence Minister Rajnath Singh to address various issues concerning Kerala as part of his efforts to highlight the state’s pending infrastructure needs to the central government.
The discussions with Gadkari are crucial as many major road projects in Kerala are at different stages of construction, approval, and land acquisition. Both the central and state governments have agreed to collaborate to eliminate delays and ensure projects progress within specified timelines.
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