Thiruvananthapuram: Chief minister V D Satheesan, during a meeting with Union road transport and highways minister Nitin Gadkari, discussed key road and transport infrastructure projects in Keralam. Gadkari promised that steps would be taken to expedite various projects, including the development of National Highway 66, NH 966 Kozhikode-Palakkad corridor and the proposed Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road.Several decisions were taken to remove bottlenecks and speed up the implementation of ongoing and proposed projects, said Satheesan. Gadkari promised that urgent measures would be taken to address delays in the development of NH 66 and accelerate construction works. He also said that further approval for the NH 966 Kozhikode-Palakkad project would be granted within three months. Land acquisition is reportedly complete for 80% of the project.Gadkari also said the required Union cabinet approval for the Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road project would be secured soon. The meeting also discussed measures to ensure the availability of river sand and quarry materials required for highway construction, with an agreement to expedite the necessary procedures.It was also agreed to prepare the detailed project report to set up a ropeway at Sabarimala and expedite the required approvals from Centre and the state. Steps will also be taken to complete the project within two years.The meeting also sought the acceleration of other infrastructure projects, including the Kothamangalam-Muvattupuzha and Western Ernakulam bypasses and improved connectivity to Kozhikode international airport.The decisions are expected to facilitate closer Centre-state coordination and help move forward Keralam’s road and transport infrastructure projects within stipulated timelines, said Satheesan.
