Kerala Road Project Compensation Stalled Again as Officials Shifted to Election Duties
The compensation disbursal for landowners who surrendered property for the four-laning of the Karamana-Kaliyikkavila Road has encountered another significant roadblock, leaving more than 100 affected families in a state of prolonged uncertainty. This latest delay stems from the reassignment of revenue officials to election-related duties, despite previous directives from the district administration to accelerate payments.
Compensation Disbursal Remains Incomplete
Of the approximately 200 landowners who relinquished land for the widening of the 1.5-kilometer Kodinada-Vazhimukku stretch at Balaramapuram, only around 80 have received their compensation to date, according to reliable sources. The project, which is being implemented by the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB), forms a crucial part of a major initiative to alleviate congestion along the southern segment of National Highway 66 and enhance connectivity to Neyyattinkara and the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border.
Mahesh Paramasivam, a shop owner whose building was partially demolished for the project, expressed deep frustration: "We surrendered our land nearly a year ago, trusting the government's assurances. Yet, we are still awaiting compensation. Many of us have lost our sole source of income due to this delay."
Another affected landowner, Shylaja B, highlighted the severe financial distress caused by the repeated postponements: "We vacated our property after officials promised that payment would be credited promptly. Now, we are paying rent elsewhere and struggling to manage our daily expenses, which has pushed our family into a precarious financial situation."
Administrative Constraints and Official Explanations
Officials have attributed the most recent delay to administrative constraints linked to the ongoing election process. However, a senior KRFB official clarified that the model code of conduct does not impede compensation proceedings that were already initiated. "The compensation process began months ago and can legally continue. The current slowdown is primarily due to the diversion of manpower for election-related duties. Once officials return to their regular posts, the remaining disbursal will be completed in a phased manner," the official stated.
The KRFB had previously secured over Rs 100 crore for compensation purposes, but the disbursal has been staggered due to various procedural hurdles. These challenges include the verification of land records and the coordination of fund transfers through the district administration, which have further complicated the timeline.
Project Progress Also Likely Delayed
While compensation remains pending, the overall progress of the road construction project is also expected to face delays. Officials have confirmed that tenders for the actual road construction can only be floated after the election code of conduct is lifted. This adds another layer of postponement to an infrastructure initiative that has already experienced multiple setbacks over the years.
The four-laning project aims to transform the stretch into a 30-meter-wide corridor, serving as a key link in the broader Karamana-Kaliyikkavila highway upgrade. This ambitious project has historically faced repeated delays due to persistent land acquisition issues and administrative bottlenecks, which have hindered its timely completion.
For now, the affected landowners emphasize that timely compensation is not only critical for their livelihoods but also essential for ensuring that this long-delayed infrastructure project finally moves forward. The continued uncertainty underscores the broader challenges in balancing administrative priorities with the urgent needs of citizens impacted by development projects.
