Vazhayila-Nedumangad Road Phase II Construction to Commence in July.

The much-anticipated second phase of the Vazhayila-Nedumangad road widening project is on track to commence construction in July. Officials involved in the project have announced that the tender process for this 10-kilometer stretch, connecting Karakulam to Valicode, will be initiated next month.

Significant progress has been made in the crucial process of compensating landowners affected by the project's second reach. Out of the 312 landowners identified, compensation has been fully disbursed to 177 individuals. Furthermore, the awarding process for another 25 landowners is currently underway at the district collectorate, with the disbursal of funds expected to begin next week. Officials are optimistic about completing the compensation process for the remaining landowners by July, paving the way for the government to proceed with the tendering for road construction as planned. Existing regulations mandate that at least 80 percent of affected landowners must receive compensation before the tendering process for road works can move forward.

Food and civil supplies minister GR Anil, who is overseeing the project's progress, has affirmed the government's commitment to completing the entire Vazhayila-Nedumangad stretch before the end of its current tenure. "Compensation awarding of the second reach will be completed by July, and the tender for the third reach will begin in September. We expect the entire stretch from Vazhayila to Nedumangad to be completed by the first quarter of 2026," Minister Anil told the Times of India.

He also provided an update on the construction of the flyover at Karakulam, an integral part of the project, stating that work on the pillars is nearing completion. The first reach of the project, spanning from Vazhayila to Keltron Junction at Karakulam and including the Karakulam flyover, is expected to be completed by December. Cherian Varkey Constructions has been awarded the contract for this initial phase. The 375-meter-long flyover will also feature a 300-meter approach road on both sides, with the total cost for this segment estimated at ₹50 crore. The Kerala Road Fund Board is the designated executing agency for the entire project.

The widening of the 11.3-kilometer main carriageway is being executed in three distinct phases, with separate tenders being floated for each. Currently, survey work for the third phase, connecting Valicode to Nedumangad, is in progress. The overall project encompasses 9.5 kilometers from Vazhayila to Pazhakutty and an additional 1.2 kilometers from the Pazhakutty petrol pump junction in Nedumangad town to the 11th milestone. Construction of the first reach commenced five months ago. As part of a comprehensive rehabilitation package, eligible individuals, including those operating businesses on encroached land, have received compensation ranging from ₹30,000 to ₹2 lakh. The widening of this road has been a long-standing demand, crucial for significantly improving connectivity from the state capital towards Tirunelveli in Tamil Nadu. The project's progress signals a positive step towards enhanced infrastructure and connectivity in the region.