Fund Crunch Grounds 6-lane Project.

The work on the lone six-lane highway stretch in Kerala between Vadakkencherry and Mannuthy is in limbo raising concerns about the ability of the contractor to complete it or ensure quality.

The work on the 28.5 km stretch was scheduled to begin in October 2010 and was to be completed in 30 months, but only 15 per cent has been completed.

The workers have been complaining that their wages have not been paid for the last ten months. The consortium of seven banks which was to fund the work has refused to oblige as milestones fixed for the utilisation of credit were not achieved.

PWD Minister Ibrahim Kunhu said he was aware of the long pendency and would take up the matter to ensure speedy completion.

NHAI authorities in Palakkad claimed that the work on the approach road for the tunnel was progressing. According to them the delay was due to the arbitration proceedings associated with land takeover. As of now the work on the stretch would be completed by March 31, 2017.

Meanwhile, an official of KMC constructions said the project is experiencing delays because banks were refusing to lend and there was a serious shortage of funds.

'We will complete the project if funds are provided,' the official said.


THE NEW INDIAN EXPRESS