Sri.P J Joseph

Minister for Public Works

Kerala’s Socio-economic development reached such an important stage in the beginning of the twenty first century that further growth became possible only by reconstructing and modernising important roads in the State. At the national level when the important cities are to be interconnected with super highway corridors Kerala had to develop her own National Highway link roads to partake of the resultant economic growth. It seems the previous UDF Government was aware of the situation and started some road projects so as to enable the state to catch up with the rest of the country. But because of the lack of proper planning and poor coordination these projects were stuck halfway. Land acquisition for road widening could not be completed on time. Lack of planning of the UDF Government was thus the stumbling block in road development in the State. The LDF Government decided to move on a properly set out groundwork so that projects would not stop half way. Government speeded up measures to realise full development of all National Highways passing through the State. As a part of this effort discussions were held with the Central Government. Consequently Kerala entered into the State Support Agreement with the Centre. Decision was taken to develop NH 17 and NH 47 into four/six lane state super highways. The follow up measures are being taken by the Government showing enough urgency.

Construction Maximum

 
Building Roads & Bridges for the Future

Works on roads, bridges and other public utilities were given momentum.  The first phase of major road works completed.  The second phase of vision 2010 already begun.

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Development of National Roadways

Hindered Road Works Restarted
Task Force Draft of Kerala Road Development Policy 2009-21
Halted Roadworks Resumed
Heavy Maintenance Scheme
Arrears to Contractors Paid
Master Plan for Railway Over Bridge
Protection of Highways
KSTP II Stage
Hill Highway and Coastal Roads
Fly Over to The Future
Impetus for Development of Rural Roads
NH Standard Roads for Sabarimala Proposed
Four Lane NHs in Three Years

 
Sanction for Rs.2000 crore works

Activating infrastructure development was the budgetary strategy of the State Government to overcome the impact of the global economic slump.  Drawing support from this initiative the Public Works Department of the State has given administrative sanction for works to the tune of Rs.2000 crore.  Administrative sanction for another set of works costing Rs.2000 crore will be given before the end of the month.  In the first stage 736 works will be executed.  One hundred bridges and 108 buildings will be constructed.  Construction of 22 bypasses and 22 mini civil stations will be taken up.  Construction of seven bridges, held up in the past, will be completed in three months.  It is planned to complete all the works to be started in the next three months before 2011.  Recognized agencies will be engaged to complete works that cannot be executed by PWD.  The support of agencies will be sought for the construction of roads and buildings.

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