Thiruvananthapuram: The district administration has intervened to resolve issues surrounding land acquisition for the proposed cloverleaf interchange connecting the Vizhinjam International Seaport approach road with NH 66 at Thalakode, following protests by locals during the recent survey and land demarcation. A meeting is expected to be convened shortly to address the concerns and facilitate the resumption of survey proceedings.Residents raised concerns over the proposal and sought clarity on various aspects of the project and land acquisition. Following the protests, officials suspended the survey proceedings in the affected area. However, the land acquisition process has not been formally stopped.The proposed meeting is expected to bring together representatives of the protesting residents, local MLA M Vincent, officials of Vizhinjam International Seaport Ltd (VISL), revenue department officials and other stakeholders. The administration intends to discuss the concerns raised by residents and work towards a resolution.District collector K S Anju said the administration would convene a meeting of all stakeholders shortly to resolve the issues.The proposed cloverleaf interchange is considered a crucial component of the port’s long-term road connectivity network. The four-loop interchange is designed to connect the port approach road with NH 66 and facilitate the smoother movement of container trucks and other cargo vehicles. National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has agreed to the proposal, with VISL and NHAI expected to undertake the construction of two loops each. The cost-sharing arrangement for the project has also been worked out.With the port having commenced commercial operations and container and export-import cargo movements gaining momentum, authorities consider permanent road connectivity essential to handle the anticipated increase in traffic.The port currently depends on a temporary road connection to NH 66. As cargo volumes increase, the existing arrangement could prove inadequate, making the proposed interchange important for ensuring smoother traffic flow and preventing congestion on the national highway.
