KSTP Phase II work on the slow lane in Thiruvananthapuram

The delay in getting the mandatory clearances from various agencies, shifting of utilities, and resistance from residents have resulted in the slow progress of the World Bank-funded Kerala State Transport Project (KSTP) Phase II.

Three road corridors, of the eight, taken up when the second phase was kicked off in June 2013 had missed the completion target set for February 22, 28, and April 28 this year under the first milestone due to the delays, official sources told The Hindu .

The corridors taken up were Kasaragod-Kanhangad (27.78 km), Pilathara-Pappinissery (20.90 km), and the 54-km Thalassery-Valavupara stretch. Only 10 per cent of the work had been completed, sources said.

The clearances from the Kerala State Pollution Control Board, Mining and Geology Department, and the Local Self-Government Department were awaited, they said.

Following the delay in cutting trees and resistance from residents, two contractors had sought the extension of deadline.

Over 95 per cent land acquisition for the second phase was completed during the first phase of the KSTP itself, initiated with World Bank aid in 2002. As many as four corridors had not been awarded, sources said.

The 80 Steering Committee of the KSTP had decided to extend the deadline on the basis of request from the contractors. The government had made it clear that the contractors would not be able to make any additional claims on account of extension of the work.

The contractor had been asked to ‘make up’ for the delay caused in completing the first ‘milestone works’ during the other ‘milestones.’ The Public Works Department (PWD) had asked the contractors to complete the work awarded as per the original schedule, sources said.

The project aimed at the upgrade of 367 km of State Highways to global standards at a cost of Rs.2,403 crore. The other stretches were Taliparamba-Iritty (4.5 km); Perumpilavu-Pattambi-

Perinthalmanna (Nilambur road) (41 km); Chengannur-Ettumanur (47 km); Ettumanur-Muvattupuzha (40.9 km); and Punalur-Ponkunnam-Thodupuzha (PM Road) (132.22 km).