Vazhimukku-Kaliyikkavila road: Omission in budget prolongs project’s uncertainty
Thiruvananthapuram: State budget has again failed to earmark funds for the long-pending development of Vazhimukku-Kaliyikkavila stretch, raising uncertainty over one of the most crucial road projects in the district’s southern fringes.The proposed widening of the corridor forms the second phase of K
By The Times of India
Thiruvananthapuram: State budget has again failed to earmark funds for the long-pending development of Vazhimukku-Kaliyikkavila stretch, raising uncertainty over one of the most crucial road projects in the district’s southern fringes.The proposed widening of the corridor forms the second phase of Karamana-Kaliyikkavila road development project, which is expected to significantly improve connectivity between Thiruvananthapuram city and the southern border regions, including Neyyattinkara and Parassala.
Despite govt’s repeated assurances, commuters continue to navigate the narrow, congested stretch that witnesses heavy traffic every day.
The corridor also serves as an important link to Kerala-Tamil Nadu border and carries substantial passenger and commercial traffic.The omission comes despite recent assurances by Neyyattinkara MLA N Sakthan that govt would accord priority to the development of Vazhimukku-Kaliyikkavila stretch.
However, no fresh allocation or announcement related to the project figured in the budget, leaving residents and motorists disappointed.When contacted, Sakthan was unavailable for comment.Earlier, govt had accorded in-principle administrative sanction of Rs 200 crore through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) in 2023 for the development of Vazhimukku-Kaliyikkavila stretch, including land acquisition.
While preliminary surveys and planning exercises have been initiated, the project has made little visible progress on the ground.Criticising the continuing delay, S K Jayakumar, president of Karamana-Kaliyikkavila Road Action Council, said govt had repeatedly raised hopes among the public without translating announcements into action.“Residents of Neyyattinkara and Parassala have been waiting for years for this road.
Every budget raises expectations, but once again there is no concrete allocation.
The project is vital for the southern region’s development, and govt should immediately begin the remaining land acquisition and construction procedures instead of making repeated promises,” he said.Karamana-Kaliyikkavila road project has been implemented in phases over the past several years, with completed stretches easing traffic movement in some areas.
However, lack of progress on Vazhimukku-Kaliyikkavila section continues to remain a major bottleneck, affecting thousands of daily commuters.Stay updated with the latest Thiruvananthapuram news.
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