Thiruvananthapuram : The four years of LDF rule in Kerala marks a splendid milestone in the state’s public works history - construction of 10,000 public roads of BAMC standard covering 20,000 km; 517 bridges and 7500 hi-tech buildings. No previous government has completed construction works of this scale, said Minister for Public Works, G Sudhakaran.
Special Chief Engineers were appointed and Bridges Divisions set up in each district for the projects. In a country first, one chief engineer was appointed to helm and oversee maintenance works. Even army personnel were engaged to complete construction of Enath bridge. There are 14 overbridges coming up in Kuttanad region.
Over 7500 buildings have been built so far. More than 300 engineers were assigned to KIIFB to create a special division for its projects. Construction of 50 sub registrar offices is underway. All rest houses in the state were renovated rendering a guest house makeover to each of them, resulting in spectacular income rise from a previous Rs 2 crore to a whopping Rs 14 crore. 30 more rest houses of similar model, are coming up around the state. Also, Kuttalam Rest House, Munnar Rest House, Vaikkom Rest House - all that slipped out of state ownership earlier - have been reclaimed, restoring more than Rs 2000 crore in assets to the state.
A dream of 50 years
Construction works have commenced for the 50-year-old dream - the National highway 66(old NH 47). The 650 km national highway extending from Kasaragod to Kalliyakkavila became a reality with contributions from the State to the tune of 25 percent of the total Rs 44,000 crore. The state government spent over Rs. 200 crore for bridges at Ernakulam’s Vytilla and Kundanoor too, where 90 percent of the works have been completed.
The Rs 3500 crore Hillside Highway
Construction of Hillside highway with 21 reach and costing Rs 3500, is currently in progress. Highways along Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Pathanamthitta, Kottayam, Kasaragod, and Kannur will reach completion in a short time from now.
101 CRS roads costing Rs 413 crore and 150 NABARD roads costing Rs 950 cr are being constructed from central funds. The state Public Works department and World Bank, have construction works going on a joint investment of Rs 4000 crore. The construction of 40 roads forming part of Rebuild Kerala, too are underway. And when LDF completes its 5-year-term, the roads crisscrossing Kerala will all be excellent thoroughfares, with none requiring repairs or reinstatement.
