Gadkari calls emergency meeting; Viaduct flyover in Kooriyad section; action plan for further construction of National Highway

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The Union Ministry of Road Transport has prepared a special action plan for the further construction of National Highway 66 in Kerala. It is reported that Union Minister Nitin Gadkari has instructed the department and the National Highway Authority. Meanwhile, the Union Minister has called an emergency meeting to discuss the issues on the National Highway. Officials and experts will participate.

An expert committee appointed by the National Highway Authority has recommended that a viaduct model flyover be constructed in the Kooriyad section of Malappuram, where the flyover and service road have been damaged. The approval must be given by the Road Transport Department. Viaducts are flyovers built on large pillars in uneven areas. Meanwhile, an expert committee of the Road Transport Department will also visit the National Highway soon.

Five times the cost

A viaduct model flyover is to be constructed on a five-kilometer stretch in the Kooriyad section. This is five times more costly than the current construction. The additional cost will have to be borne by the contracting company KNR. Even though it has been blacklisted, the company will not be excluded from the contract it has been awarded. Construction will start after re-conducting soil testing. It will take about seven months to complete.

Both reaches in Malappuram for KNR

• The total distance of NH 66 in Malappuram is 77.03 km

• Reach 1: Ramanattukara- Valanchery- 39.86 km- Cost 4,708.42 crore

• Reach 2: Valanchery- Kappirikkad- 37.35 km- Cost 3,790.17 crore