Work on Mananchira-Vellimadukunnu road widening project in Kozhikode district moving at snail’s pace

Recent review meeting called by Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas tasks NH wing of Public Works Department with preparing estimate for four-laning work

The work on four-laning the 8.24-km stretch from Mananchira to Vellimadukunnu that passes through Kozhikode city has been moving at a snail’s pace as the funds have not been fully credited to the Revenue Department.

A review meeting called by Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas in Thiruvananthapuram on Wednesday said steps would be expedited for the completion of the road widening project. The National Highway wing of the Public Works Department (PWD) would be tasked with preparing an estimate for the purpose and funds would be released based on the estimate, it was decided.

However, sources said that the Revenue Department was yet to receive ₹134.5 crore for land acquisition which had been sanctioned on January 15 before the announcement of the last Assembly election. Only if the funds are made available can the remaining land be acquired under the Land Acquisition Act as well as a rehabilitation package be drawn up.