Five years since start of coastal highway construction: only 11.10 km completed of total of 623 km

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Five years after the start of the construction of the 623-km coastal highway project from Pozhiyoor in the capital district to Kasaragod Kunjathur, only 10.10 km of road and one km of bridge have been completed. The coastal highway, one of the LDF government's flagship projects, began construction in March 2019.

Construction of 6.25 km from Padinjarekkara to Unniyal and 3.85 km from Mohiudeen Palli to Kettungal in two reaches in Malappuram district and construction of one km Elathur-Korapuzha bridge in Kozhikode district is currently completed. Construction is now taking place only in some reaches of the Malabar region and Ernakulam district, at least marginally. Elsewhere, only the land acquisition process is in progress.

Road construction is being done with KIIFB funds. Illegal coastal encroachment and delays in land acquisition are the main reasons behind the delay in construction. Attempts to acquire land with the help of MLAs were successful only in some areas. Opposition to the project by the Congress leadership has also fueled regional opposition.

The government and KIIFB had announced that the construction would be completed by 2022. The new target is 2026. Kerala Road Fund Board and Roads & Bridges Development Corporation are in charge of implementation.

Land acquisition package

The second Pinarayi government introduced two packages to speed up land acquisition. Those who have title deeds are included in category one and those who do not are included in category two.

Those in category one will be paid the land price as determined under the Land Acquisition Rules, 2013 while giving up the land. Those in category two will not get that much. The rehabilitated families belonging to both categories will be given a 600-square-foot flat or a one-time compensation of Rs 13 lakh.

If the project is implemented

• Employment and standard of living in the coastal region will rise.
• Fishing marketing will become strong.
• Customers can easily reach the harbors
• Beach tourist centres will develop.

Construction cost ₹ 6,500 crore

• There will be cycle tracks on the 14-meter-wide road
• Parking bays, bus bays, truck bays, entertainment centers etc. at fixed distance
• E-charging stations every 12 km