Bypass: road foundation work to begin in a week.

The formation of the subgrade, the basic foundation of a road, for the four-laning of the National Highway-66 bypass stretch from Kazhakuttam to Mukkola is likely to commence within a week.

Efforts are currently afoot to commence the road formation for a short stretch from Kazhakuttam Junction.

Laboratory tests were being conducted on soil samples obtained from various sources to determine their maximum dry density, optimum moisture content and other aspects. This was necessary prior to preparing the embankment to raise the surface level.

According to an official, a few electric posts were yet to be removed on the stretch by the Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB). The work was expected to be undertaken within a few days.

The contractor, Hyderabad-based KNR Constructions, has also commenced preliminary activities for constructing a culvert at 400 metres (from Kazhakuttam), and the proposed underpass, overpass and another culvert at Mukkola.

They currently await the final design for the tail end of the bypass stretch at Mukkola that will link with the proposed Vizhinjam seaport road.

Meanwhile, the Social Forestry wing has completed the enumeration of trees that were to be cut on the stretch from Chakka to Thiruvallam. The officials had previously undertaken the enumeration on an 11-km stretch from Kazhakuttam to Chakka. However, they were yet to provide an estimate, pertaining to the second stretch, to the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI).

THE HINDU