Kerala Power Board Denies Responsibility for Elevated Highway Construction Delays
The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) has firmly rejected allegations that it is responsible for the significant delays affecting the construction of the elevated highway on the Aroor stretch. Instead, the board has pointed the finger squarely at the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) contractor, Ashoka Buildcon, for failing to execute the necessary work within the stipulated timelines.
Dispute Over Shifting of Extra High Tension Lines
The core of the controversy revolves around the shifting of extra high tension (EHT) lines, a critical prerequisite for the highway construction. Earlier reports had indicated that NHAI authorities blamed KSEB for delays in granting shutdown permissions required for this process. However, KSEB has issued a detailed statement clarifying its limited role in the project.
"The shifting of EHT lines is being executed entirely by NHAI's engineering, procurement and construction contractor, Ashoka Buildcon. KSEB's role is strictly limited to technical supervision. All construction activities, including the procurement of new towers and establishment of temporary bypass systems, fall under the contractor's scope," KSEB emphasized in its official communication.
Contractor's Failure to Meet Deadlines
According to KSEB, a high-level meeting chaired by the PWD secretary on January 16 confirmed that all procedural hurdles had been cleared. Despite this, the contractor missed the scheduled deadline of January 9 for installing two crucial towers at Aroor Junction. The board highlighted a specific operational bottleneck as the primary cause of the delay.
"The primary bottleneck is the contractor's refusal to set up a separate bypass at Aroor Residency. Despite funds being allocated for independent systems at both Aroor Junction and Aroor Residency, the contractor is waiting to dismantle the Junction bypass to reuse materials for the Residency site. This 'one-after-the-other' approach has stalled progress," the agency explained.
Impact on Ambitious Infrastructure Project
The delays have directly affected the completion timeline of the ambitious 12.75-kilometer Aroor-Thuravoor elevated highway, which is poised to become the country's longest single-pillar skyway upon completion. KSEB noted that despite repeated instructions and multiple review meetings, the contractor has failed to honor its commitment to finish the work by March 31.
In contrast, a senior NHAI official presented a different perspective, stating, "The KSEB insisted on erecting temporary bypass lines in the EHT line shifting stretches, which wasn't in our original scope of work as per the agreement." This statement underscores the ongoing disagreement between the two agencies regarding responsibility and contractual obligations.
Broader Implications for Infrastructure Development
The standoff between KSEB and the NHAI contractor highlights common challenges in large-scale infrastructure projects, where coordination between multiple agencies and contractors is essential. The delay not only impacts the immediate construction schedule but also raises concerns about the timely delivery of critical public infrastructure designed to enhance connectivity and reduce traffic congestion in the region.
As the dispute continues, stakeholders await a resolution that will allow the elevated highway project to proceed without further interruptions, ensuring that the envisioned benefits of this major infrastructure initiative are realized for the people of Kerala.
