Vizhinjam Port EXIM cargo operations from Tuesday; NH 66 still without lights

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: It reeks of inefficiency in Vizhinjam as the plan to install street lights on National Highway 66 from Kovalam to Karode has reached nowhere. This situation comes as the export-import cargo operations at the Vizhinjam International Port are set to begin on Tuesday.

It was last December that the National Highways Authority decided to install street lights on NH 66 up to Kovalam. The aim was to complete the project before the movement of goods by issuing tenders in January. The decision was to install street lights from Kovalam to Eanchakkal. Only a few meters are currently illuminated. Accidents are also common at night. Most of the accidents are caused by people riding two-wheelers.

The risk of accidents will double after tomorrow with the increase in the freight and truck traffic on the road. Temporary arrangements have not been implemented to ensure night-time safety. The decision to install high-mast lights at the entrance to NH 66 from Vizhinjam Port has also not come to fruition. Road markings have been done so far.

Once the construction on the Tamil Nadu side from Karode to Kanyakumari is completed, it is possible that twice as many vehicles as there are now will travel on NH 66. Already, there is a lot of congestion from Kovalam Junction to Kazhakoottam during the morning and evening hours.