Govt sanctions ₹12cr for road work

Thiruvananthapuram: The government has sanctioned Rs 12.13 crore for the construction of Kudappanakunnu-Vazhichal Road as part of the Hill Highway project, said MLA C K Hareendran. Works would be started in November after finishing due procedures, he added. The Hill Highway passes through the stretch between Parassala and Paruthippally and the first-layer tarring works along the stretch was completed. The Kerala Water Authority’s utility shifting works have been in progress now.
The road construction works are done using modern technologies and measures have been taken by the public works and revenue departments to rehabilitate the 42 families who lived in the revenue land beside Perekonna-Aaduvalli Road and those who do not own a house or land in other parts. The land for rehabilitating them has also been identified in Kalivilakam. As per the initial design of NatPack, the Hill Highway was supposed to pass through Kuttamala from Vazhichal Junction to Amboori and finally end at Kadukkara via Kuttappoo through Kudappanamoodu and Anappara.

However, the design was termed unscientific by the then public works minister G Sudhakaran and the alignment was redesigned by extending the road till Parassala. Protective walls, tiled pedestrian paths, concrete drainage, culverts and utility cross doctors were included in the Hill Highway. The project also includes wayside amenity centres for commuters and bus shelter.
The road has been constructed at 12-m width from Parassala to Kasaragod and lands were acquired for free from landlords.
The road from Vazhichal Junction to Amboori via Kuttamala and return to Kudappanamoodu via Kuttappoo has a maximum width of 7m.
Once the Hill Highway is completed, pilgrims from Tamil Nadu and other southern regions will get easy access to various pilgrim centres, including Sabarimala.
The road that connects Kerala and Tamil Nadu is expected to rejuvenate the interstate trade and goods transportation.