In a significant breakthrough for a long-stalled infrastructure project, the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB) has cleared the path for disbursing approximately Rs 99 crore in compensation to landowners, finally removing a major roadblock for the four-laning of a crucial highway stretch near Thiruvananthapuram.
Financial Hurdle Cleared After Protracted Delays
The compensation, earmarked for 52 landowners along the 1.5-kilometre Kodinada–Vazhimukku stretch at Balaramapuram, is expected to reach beneficiaries this week. This development comes after the KRFB approved the substantial payout about two weeks ago, concluding months of procedural and administrative delays that had left affected residents in limbo despite having surrendered their properties for the public project.
Sources within the revenue department have confirmed that the funds will soon be transferred to the district collector's office. Following the completion of requisite formalities, the amount will be directly credited to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. This step is critical for the NH 66 widening project, which aims to transform the segment into a 30.2-metre wide four-lane corridor.
Project Timeline: Tenders and Construction Start in Sight
With the compensation disbursal now imminent, project authorities can finally move to the next phase. Officials state that the KRFB will proceed to issue tenders for the actual road construction works immediately after the payout is completed.
The bidding process is expected to be initiated as early as next month. If all goes according to plan, physical construction on the ground could begin by March or April of 2026. This timeline offers hope for tangible progress on a project that has been plagued by years of planning, acquisition disputes, and delayed paperwork.
Relief for Landowners and Boost for Regional Connectivity
A senior KRFB official, speaking on condition of anonymity, expressed relief at overcoming this financial hurdle. "We worked closely with the revenue and finance departments to ensure all sanctions and approvals were in place," the official said. "With the compensation disbursal now imminent, we are aligned to invite tenders and push the four-laning works forward."
The official emphasized the strategic importance of the stretch, noting it is crucial for decongesting traffic in the southern outskirts of Thiruvananthapuram and improving connectivity to towns like Parassala and Neyyattinkara. For years, local residents and business owners displaced by the project have voiced frustration over the inordinate delay in receiving compensation, which also stalled demolition and preparatory work by KRFB-engaged contractors.
The imminent resolution of the compensation issue marks a pivotal moment for the Karamana–Kaliyikkavila highway development, potentially unlocking smoother travel and economic growth for the region after a long wait.
