VIZHINJAM: Special projects for the development of Vizhinjam Junction and Kovalam as part of the Coastal Highway to be built on international standards. Stone-laying for land acquisition in connection with road construction has been completed at Vizhinjam.
The road development at Vizhinjam junction is being implemented keeping in mind the future traffic related to the international port. A roundabout will be constructed here. Meanwhile, the junction leading to Kovalam Beach, an international tourist hub, will also be developed. The coastal road is being constructed by widening the existing road from Adimalathura to Mukkola-Vizhinjam-Kovalam. Stone laying has been completed in all these places.
Shop owners at Vizhinjam Junction have been told to vacate by the authorities. The road will reach Kovalam junction and connect with the existing bypass road till Kumarichantha. The first phase road will reach Kappil via coastal road from here.
14 km first phase
Total length of the coastal highway is 655.6 km
A wide road with a cycle lane is being constructed as part of the coastal highway from Poovar to Kasaragod. The total length of the 14-meter-wide road is 655.6 km. The project was conceived by NATPAC in 1993. On October 24, 2018, the KIIFB Governing Body gave the go-ahead for the construction of the first stretch.
Construction in four stages
In the construction of four sections of highway, the first section includes the areas that will be 14 meters wide. 8 to 12 meters wide areas are in the second category, areas where land is difficult to acquire are in the third category and areas where land cannot be acquired are included in the fourth category. An elevated road is intended for areas where land acquisition is not possible.
Associated roads will also be developed
Steps have also been taken to acquire land for widening the Azhakulam-Muttaikadu road. Stone laying is completed on the acquired land. A social impact study will also be conducted. Azhakulam, Muttaikadu, Panangode, Kattukulam, Nellivila and Thettivila roads are being upgraded. As per KIIFB norms, the road construction is fully rubberized for 7 km. 32.57 crores have been allocated.
The road from Azhakulam to Muttaikadu, which connects the Vellayani backwater and the tourism hub of Kovalam, is 13 meters wide. Ducts for laying cables and pipelines will also be constructed along with drainages. With the completion of the port, Balaramapuram-Vizhinjam road and Vizhinjam-Pallichal road will also be developed.