Stretch of NH-66 bypass to be spruced up.

The 12.7-km National Highway 66 bypass stretch from Kazhakuttam to Enchakkal junction will get a 1.5-metre paved shoulder as part of sprucing up the main gateway to the greenfield stadium coming up at Karyavattom for the 35 National Games. Work on junction improvement will also to be taken up on the stretch.

The new terminal building of the Thiruvananthapuram international airport and Kochuveli railway terminal, the satellite terminal of the Thiruvananthapuram international airport are housed in this gateway.

The decision to build the 1.5-metre paved shoulder for the bypass and take up junction improvement has been taken in view of the huge turnout anticipated for the opening and closing ceremony of the Games at the stadium, which can accommodate 50,000 spectators.

The government has given administrative sanction for the Rs. 4-crore proposal put forward by the Public Works Department National Highway wing for taking up the project.

However, the Rs. 3.9-crore proposal for building 1.5-metre paved shoulder and junction improvement from Kallumoodu to Kovalam along the NH 66 put forward by the PWD(NH) was rejected by the Government.

The Chief Engineer PWD (NH) has been asked to get the estimate scrutinised by the Chief Technical Examiner before the bids are floated.

Confirming the nod from the government, a top PWD official said they were awaiting funds to take up the work.



THE HINDU