Thiruvananthapuram: The Chief Minister conducted a comprehensive review of the National Highway (NH) development project spanning from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram. During the meeting, National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials informed that four stretches, including Talapady-Chengala, Kozhikode Bypass, Ramanattukara-Valanchery, and Valanchery-Kappirikkad, are more than 80 pc complete and are expected to be completed before March 31, 2025.

The discussion also focused on areas where construction progress has been slow, with completion rates below 50 pc. The Aroor-Thuravoor stretch has achieved 41 pc completion, while the Thuravoor-Paravur section has progressed by only 27 pc. Construction on the Paravur-Kottankulangara stretch stands at 47 pc, and the Kadampattukonam-Kazhakkoottam section has completed 36 pc of the work.

NHAI officials emphasised that contractors failing to achieve at least 5 percent monthly progress would face contract termination. Notices will be issued to those deemed inefficient. Progress in other stretches, such as Azhiyur-Vengalam, was also reviewed.

Issues hindering construction

Officials and contractors highlighted key obstacles, including delays in obtaining government permits and local protests. A major challenge is the non-availability of soil for construction, which has hampered progress.

The Chief Minister instructed quick decisions on pending applications for soil extraction from various water bodies. Minister of Irrigation Roshy Augustine noted that NHAI had sought permissions for seven water bodies, with approvals granted for Ashtamudi and Vembanad Lakes, while others remain under review.

The Chief Secretary has been tasked with preparing a report to address the soil scarcity issue. District Collectors were directed to expedite land acquisition cases to prevent further delays.

The meeting included the participation of Minister P A Mohammed Riyas, Additional Chief Secretary of Water Resources Bishwanath Sinha, Secretary of the Public Works Department K. Biju, NHAI Regional Officer B.L. Veena, KSEB Chairman Biju Prabhakar, District Collectors, Project Directors of the National Highways Department, and contractors.