Govt asks NHAI to take up two Kochi flyovers

KOCHI: Ending the uncertainty over the construction of flyovers at the busy Vytilla and Kundannoor junctions, the State government on Monday asked the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) to undertake their construction. The decision was taken at a high level meeting convened by G. Sudhakaran, Minister for Public Works Department in Thiruvananthapuram. The fate of the two flyovers was hanging fire following the deadlock between the state PWD and the NHAI.

Though NHAI was ready to take up the project earlier, the government was hesitant on account of high toll rates to be imposed on users. However, there is still no clarity on whether the two flyovers will be free of toll. Earlier, the state Finance Department objected to the PWD’s proposal to construct the flyovers citing concerns over investing state funds in the properties owned by the NHAI. As per the design and plans of the PWD, the estimated cost for Vyttila flyover is Rs 90 crore while the cost for Kudanoor flyover is Rs 62 crore.

On the decision to hand over the projects to NHAI, the minister said that as the over bridges were to be built along the national highway, it was better to entrust the work to NHAI. Construction of the structures could begin within a year after getting approval from NHAI and Union Ministry of Surface Transport, he said.

“As per the revised cost, the total cost of two flyovers is Rs 202 crore. The matter of toll collection is subject to the Central government’s policy and need not be discussed at this stage,” the minister added. The demand for the flyovers in the busy Vyttila junction has been gaining momentum for the last several years. Though the government’s decision came as a major relief, there are apprehensions over further delay in starting the construction and the potential toll collection.