National Highway accident: Central govt did not pay attention despite sending several letters, slams Minister

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: Public Works Department Minister P A Muhammad Riyas has expressed his response over the death of a scooter rider, who fell into a pothole in the national highway near Angamaly. The faults in the national highway were brought to the attention of the legislature. Many letters have been sent to the central government pointing out the issues in the highway from Thrissur to Angamali, including the place where the accident took place. However, they have not paid adequate attention to it, criticized the minister.

“While pointing out the faults, they mocked us. No accidents or potholes should occur at any road. The problem needs to be resolved. I do not intend to insult that the road saying that it belongs to the central government. There are special circumstances in Kerala. Climate is one factor in it. There are some wrong trends. It should be resolved”, said the minister.

“Boards containing the information of the contractor, who built the road are being installed, so that people can complain. A total of 3,000 boards have been installed so far. Many have mocked it. But, the repair works are less in places where the boards have been installed. However, the national highway authority is not taking such a stance. The area, where the accident took place, comes under the national highway authority. Why didn’t the concerned contractors take required measures there?”, asked the minister.

We have informed the central government about many such issues. Several letters were also sent in the regard. The public works department will not be able to fill the potholes on the roads under the national highway authority, he said.

The national highway authority and the public works department are aiming to complete the national highway from Thiruvananthapuram to Kasaragod by 2025. All the activities are being examined. Inspections are being conducted in every district. The flyover in Kazhakoottam will be presented as a gift on Kerala Piravi Day. The work would be completed by October 31 and handed over to the nation. It is expected to be opened on November 1, he added.

The works of the Enchakkal flyover will begin in March next year. A location has been selected for it. The works are expected to be completed within one-and-half-year. There are numerous black spots in Thiruvalla. Measures have been taken to finish the works in the Kovalam road too. The national highway development is being done as a team work, said the minister.