T’puram: The proposed widening of the 1.5-km stretch of the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila Road between Kodinada and Vazhimukku via Balaramapuram remains stalled as land acquisition formalities are yet to be completed.The delay stems from pending compensation payments to 14 landowners and possession of two remaining land parcels. These are essential before Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) can take over the land and proceed with the construction tender.According to revenue officials, the compensation awards for the remaining landowners are awaiting financial approval from the finance department. The amount has to be cleared through the state’s budget authorization and monitoring system (BAMS) and released through the treasury.However, there is no clarity when approval will be granted, leaving the project without a definite timeline.Authorities are also in the process of taking possession of the final two land parcels. One of the pending properties, which includes a building, is expected to be taken over on July 31 following the completion of legal formalities. The second property is likely to be taken over by mid-Aug, officials said.Despite this progress, the road development cannot move forward until the compensation process is completed, and the acquired land is formally transferred to the KRFB.The prolonged delay has drawn criticism from the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila action council, which demanded that the authorities expedite the remaining land acquisition formalities and commence construction.Residents and commuters said the narrow stretch between Kodinada and Vazhimukku has become one of the worst traffic bottlenecks on the southern outskirts of the capital. During peak hours, long queues of vehicles extend from Aralummoodu towards Neyyattinkara, resulting in severe congestion.
