At the inauguration of the Alappuzha Bypass, which was ready for traffic after decades of waiting, a large number of people silently reminded the authorities on how to avoid extraordinary delays and mismanagement in the implementation of development projects in the state. The fact that it took almost half a century to complete the bypass, which is less than seven kilometres long, is a disgrace not only to those who have alternately ruled the state but also to the people. At the time of formulation of the bypass, the construction cost was estimated to be Rs`17 crore. However, the delay and mismanagement made sure that the project was completed at a cost of Rs 370 crore. The bypass, which can save motorists from suffocating traffic in Alappuzha, has been completed by the present government, especially because of the determination and dedication of Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and PWD Minister G.S. Sudhakaran. Although many have claimed credit for the Alappuzha bypass, the full credit for taking action and achieving the target goes to this government. Attempts by a section of Congress workers to disrupt the inauguration only served to damage the party's reputation before the public. It is a great sin to try to disrupt the inaugural function of the bypass instead of celebrating together by putting aside political differences.

PWD Minister Sudhakaran saw the completion of the bypass as an achievement of the central and state governments working together by setting aside political differences to realise the project. That is very true. The mission does not end with the formulation of development plans. There were a number of obstacles in front of the project starting from land acquisition to completion of construction. The state government's excellence lies in detecting these obstacles and sorting them. This requires constant contact with the concerned central minister and officials. Good relations will always help the state in such matters. The effective intervention of the PWD Minister in the case of Alappuzha Bypass has been very helpful.

Kerala still has a long way to go in the field of infrastructure development. Chief Minister had said at the inauguration of the bypass that road development projects costing over Rs 12,000 crore have been started in various districts. Like the Alappuzha bypass, the renovation of the National Highway from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram has been awaited for decades. The development of the National Highway, which has been delayed due to land acquisition and other technical issues, will require a great deal of work to get completed within the next five years. Whoever the new PWD minister is, he must take it up the task as a challenge. During the inauguration of the Alappuzha bypass, Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari, who has a special interest in road development in the state, invited Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan to Delhi. Since the CM has been invited to present the needs of the state in detail, he must take advantage of this situation and try to improve the infrastructure of the state. Gadkari's suggestion to use unique resources like coir, jute and rubber for road construction has been well received. Among them, plastic, which has become a major threat to the environment, can also be used for road construction. The Chief Minister brought the matter to the notice of the Union Minister.

In addition to developing roads, scientific approaches should also be considered to create greater awareness among road users. Because so many lives are lost on the roads every day. It is estimated that more than five lakh people die in road accidents in the state every year. At the all-India level, the death toll is over 1.5 lakh. The vast majority of those who die in public are young people. The loss is not only for the families but also for the country. It is necessary to acquire training to drive safely along the best roads. Authorities must ensure that people are strictly following traffic and road rules. The government's focus should not be solely on the huge revenue generated through traffic violations. It must formulate a comprehensive action plan to make public roads as safe as possible.

The construction of ten railway overbridges is going to start in different districts of the state. This is a project that people have been waiting for for many years. This was a plan that should have been implemented earlier without getting delayed to the final days of the government. In any case, the work of these overbridges should be completed on time. Many roads, flyovers and railway development projects are stalled due to land acquisition issues. There are politicians in every nook and corner who stir up protests by igniting local sentiments. If there are no major changes in the approach towards development projects, Kerala will lag far behind.
The approach taken by the government by trusting the people is as important as the co-operation between the central and state governments.