Thiruvananthapuram: The construction of second reach of Rs 1,293 crore Vazhayila–Pazhakutty four-lane road project in Nedumangad is scheduled to begin soon.The Vazhayila–Pazhakutty road project, a key arterial corridor aimed at easing traffic congestion and improving connectivity to the state capital, is being executed in phases. The construction process was recently inaugurated by chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan who also distributed compensation to 200 affected landowners for land acquisition for the project’s third reach, paving the way for faster implementation. During the function held at Kallingal Ground in Nedumangad, Vijayan also laid the foundation stone for a six-storey building complex at the district hospital, to be constructed at a cost of Rs 89.4 crore. He also inaugurated tourism department’s Motel Aaram, built at Rs 9.61 crore, and laid the foundation for a new fire and rescue services building costing Rs 2.95 crore. Addressing a gathering after inaugurating and laying foundation stones, the chief minister said Kerala witnessed a comprehensive transformation over the past decade, particularly in healthcare. “There were major changes in the health sector in the last 10 years. While certain issues surfaced, efforts are being made to resolve them. Strict action will be taken against those responsible for lapses,” he said. He further noted that the state’s public education sector continues to receive national recognition. The govt’s Public Education Protection Mission, backed by an investment of Rs 5,000 crore, transformed schools with modern infrastructure and smart classrooms, reversing a decline in student enrolment. The chief minister added that infrastructure development through Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) saw projects worth Rs 1.16 lakh crore implemented across the state.
