SN Junction–Poothotta road widening revived after decade-long delay
The Rs 672-crore project to widen the 13-km SN Junction-Poothotta stretch into a four-lane road has been revived with the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) completing the crucial realignment process, paving the way for immediate land acquisition.
'Land acquisition for the SN Jn-Poothotta road widening will begin soon,' MLA K Babu told TNIE.
First included in the state budget in 2017, the delay in implementing the project has significantly worsened traffic woes in Tripunithura, a burgeoning residential hub on Kochi's outskirts. Residents have long grappled with slow-moving traffic, particularly along this vital corridor that connects key residential areas to the city.
KRFB's recent completion of the realignment process marks a major breakthrough. The step not only finalises land requirements but also incorporates vital enhancements to the original plan. As part of the renewed project, nine key junctions -- including Kizhakkekotta, Nadakkavu, Kannankulangara, Puthenkavu and Udayamperoor -- along the stretch will see development like the construction of bell-mouths, promising smoother traffic flow and reduced bottlenecks. Additionally, 12 new bus bays will be constructed, providing designated stops that prevent buses from obstructing traffic, thereby improving overall road safety and public transport efficiency.
'We've submitted the revised alignment and also the request for 11 (1) notification, the crucial step for land acquisition, to the district collector. After this, the 19 (1) notification will have to be issued when the compensation amount for land owners will be determined,' a senior KRFB official said.
Post realignment, the total land to be acquired for the project has risen to 13.12 hectares from the earlier 12.62 hectares. Acquisition often represents the most challenging and time-consuming aspect of infrastructure projects in densely populated areas. The official, however, promised quick implementation.
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
New Indian Express
27 minutes ago
- New Indian Express
Trump tariff a blow to gems, jewellery, handicraft
JAIPUR: The Trump administration's decision to impose a 25% tariff on select imports from India has sparked panic among exporters in Rajasthan, particularly those trading with the United States. With America accounting for over Rs 17,000 crore of Rajasthan's total exports worth Rs 85,000 crore, the move is expected to severely impact key sectors such as gems and jewellery, handicrafts, and textiles. The most significant impact will be likely on exports of handicrafts worth Rs 5,000 crore, gems and jewellery worth Rs 7,000-8,000 crore, and garments and textiles worth Rs 1,500 crore to the US. Until now, only textiles attracted a tariff of 5.5%. However, if a uniform 25% tariff is enforced across these categories, exporters fear losing a significant share in the American market. Gems, jewellery sector at risk Previously, this trade faced a modest 5.5% duty. Now, the 25% tariff set to come into effect from August 7 poses a serious threat. Speaking to this newspaper, Naveen Jain, Jeweller and proprietor of Lord Krishna International, said, 'Every year, Rajasthan exports gems and jewellery worth Rs 7,000–8,000 crore to the US. So far, the tariff was 5.5%. With the jump to 25% from August 7, it will be extremely challenging for Indian exporters to remain competitive.' Sanjay Kala, former president of the Jewellers Association and Managing Director of Kinu Baba Gems India Pvt Ltd, echoed the concerns. 'This 25% tariff by the US is a massive challenge for Rajasthan's gems-jewellery, handicrafts and textile sectors. Exports worth over Rs 17,000 crore will be directly affected. Our products will lose their competitive edge globally, leading to a fall in exports and risking the livelihoods of lakhs of artisans and entrepreneurs.' Kala further emphasised the need for immediate government intervention. 'This will have severe economic and social consequences. With such a steep duty in our biggest export market, losses are inevitable. The Centre must initiate strong diplomatic talks with the US and announce special relief schemes to support exporters, ensure continuity in production, and protect employment.' He added, 'We must also diversify our export strategy by tapping into other global markets. Our industry has overcome many challenges before, and with government support and collective resilience, we will navigate this as well.'
Hans India
27 minutes ago
- Hans India
CM disburses Rs 697 cr under PM-KISAN
Bhubaneswar: In a major boost to farmers' welfare, Odisha Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi on Saturday disbursed the 20th instalment of Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) scheme to more than 34.85 lakh farmers across the State, releasing total assistance of Rs 697 crore. The disbursement event was held on ICAR-CIFA campus on the outskirts of Bhubaneswar and marked the State-level observance of PM-Kisan Diwas. This initiative coincided with Prime Minister Narendra Modi's nationwide rollout of the instalment from Varanasi, where Rs 21,000 crore was digitally transferred to 9.7 crore farmers across India under the scheme. Addressing a large gathering of farmers and officials, Majhi reiterated his government's commitment to agricultural growth and farmer-centric governance. 'Our government is of the people and for the people, especially for our farmers. In a short time, we have rolled out multiple initiatives for their welfare. Today, over 50 lakh farmers in Odisha are receiving Rs 4,000 annually through the CM-Kisan scheme. Combined with PM-KISAN, they now receive Rs 10,000 per year,' he said. To ensure no eligible farmer is left behind, the Chief Minister announced a State-wide saturation drive across all blocks. 'We are determined to include every eligible farmer in the scheme. The funds are being transferred directly to farmers' bank accounts to ensure complete transparency through digital means,' he added. Majhi also emphasised the importance of crop diversification and the promotion of allied sectors like fisheries and animal husbandry to enhance farmer incomes. 'We must move beyond the goal of doubling income - farmers' earnings should increase manifold. A prosperous and developed India depends on the prosperity of our farmers,' he said. The Chief Minister further highlighted the success of Odisha's Samruddha Krushak Yojana, under which farmers receive additional Rs 800 input assistance per quintal of paddy. Last year alone, the State disbursed Rs 6,000 crore to 17 lakh farmers during the Kharif season and Rs 1,600 crore to 3 lakh farmers during Rabi. The event marked a significant milestone in Odisha's mission to uplift its agricultural sector and align with the national goal of building a self-reliant, developed India as envisioned by Prime Minister Modi.
Hans India
27 minutes ago
- Hans India
In boost to irrigation, MATY extended by 5 years
Bhubaneswar: The Odisha Cabinet on Friday approved five key proposals put forward by four different departments. The Cabinet okayed the proposals during a meeting of State Cabinet held here under the chairmanship of Chief Minister Mohan Charan Majhi. In a big boost to the irrigation facilities in the State, the Odisha Cabinet on Friday gave the green light to the proposal for the extension of the 'Mukhyamantri Adibandha Tiyari Yojana (MATY)-3.0' scheme by an additional five financial years. The government projected to spend Rs 2,738.00 crore between Financial Year 2025-26 to 2029-30 for the implementation of the third phase of the scheme. As per an official statement, the government has planned to construct 3,313 new check dams and improve 3,529 existing check dams to ensure assured irrigation facilities in areas where farmers traditionally depend on temporary cross-bunds across streams. The scheme aims to create 57,525 hectares of additional irrigation potential and restore 41,713 hectares of existing irrigation capacity. 'The check dams will also provide drinking water facilities to villages during the post-monsoon period, aid in groundwater recharge, and enhance kharif irrigation in water-stressed blocks,' said the State government. The Cabinet, during its meeting on Friday, also okayed Odisha Goods and Services Tax Act, 2017 aiming to simplify the provisions and provide certain facilities to the taxpayers and tax authorities. Addressing the media persons after the Cabinet meeting, Chief Secretary Manoj Ahuja stated that these amendments have been brought as per the decision taken during the recent GST Council meeting. To streamline the administration and approval of fiscal incentives under the Odisha Food Processing Policy, 2016, the government has proposed certain amendments to align it with the provisions of the updated 2022 policy. 'This would lead to simplification and reducing procedures for administration of financial incentive to MSMEs under the Industrial Promotion Policy leading to increase in pace of promotion of investment in the Food Processing Sector in the State and generation of more number of Employment Opportunities,' informed the State government in an official statement. This apart, the Cabinet in its meeting on Friday also gave its nod to two proposals placed by the State Law department.
