Akathethara ROB hits a hurdle

There is uncertainty over early realisation of the long-awaited rail overbridge at Akathethara, adjacent to the busy Palakkad Railway Junction, with the government announcing a meagre compensation package for land to be acquired for the project.

The stone for the project was laid six months ago. Local people are planning an agitation, including an indefinite fast, from Monday.

The government had earmarked ₹38.68 crore for the overbridge project following an intense agitation by the local community.

Over 20 people had lost their lives while crossing the railway tracks here in the last five years due to the frequent closure of the railway gate for rail movement.

“When the foundation stone was laid, we thought it was a permanent solution to the five-decade-old demand. If the allotted funds are not utilised in the stipulated time, it will be diverted for other purposes,” says K. Radhakrishnan of the Akathethara Nadakkavu Overbridge Action Council.

“The compensation the government fixed for the land to be acquired is ₹1 lakh a cent. That is a meagre amount as those staying close to the railway gate require a decent and just rehabilitation,” he says.

“The land price in the locality is more than ₹5 lakh a cent. The affected people are demanding at least ₹3.5 lakh a cent.” On completion of land acquisition, the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) can build the bridge in 18 months.

Owners of the shops and commercial establishments close to the bridge are also demanding compensation as the facilities will have to be kept closed when the construction works for the overbridge begin.

Council convener K. Sivarajesh said immediate government intervention was required to complete the overbridge.