In a significant move, the Kerala state government has finally approved and released long-pending compensation for landowners affected by a crucial national highway widening project in Thiruvananthapuram district. This decision brings a wave of relief to 52 families in Balaramapuram who have been waiting for payments related to land acquisition for the four-lane development of the Kodinada–Vazhimukku stretch.
Financial Injection to Unlock Stalled Project
The National Highways wing of the revenue department has handed over a substantial sum of Rs 102.4 crore to the project management unit of the Kerala Road Fund Board (KRFB). This tranche of funds is specifically intended to clear the dues for land acquired as part of the road expansion plan. According to sources within the revenue department, the amount will soon be transferred to the district collector's office following the completion of requisite formalities. Subsequently, the compensation will be credited directly into the bank accounts of the eligible landowners.
However, a cloud of uncertainty remains for some affected families. While 52 landowners are impacted by the project, initial indications suggest that this latest fund release may cover the compensation for only about 30 of them. The government has yet to formally confirm the exact number of beneficiaries under this specific payout, a discrepancy that has sparked fresh concern among those still waiting for their dues.
Background of Delays and Administrative Hurdles
The 1.5-kilometer Kodinada–Vazhimukku stretch forms a vital part of the larger Karamana–Kaliyikkavila road development project. The overarching aim is to ease severe congestion at the busy Balaramapuram Junction and significantly improve connectivity in the southern parts of the district. Despite its importance, the project had been stalled for months due to a combination of funding delays and disagreements over the land acquisition process.
The total compensation bill for the acquired land was previously estimated to be around Rs 102 crore. Earlier, an amount of approximately Rs 40 crore was disbursed to some of the landowners. The prolonged delays in releasing the remaining funds not only hampered the physical progress of the road works but also led to immense frustration among the landowners, whose livelihoods were directly impacted.
Compounding the problem were several administrative challenges. Unclear or outdated land records required time-consuming re-verification, which further slowed down the entire compensation and project initiation process.
Path Forward and Local Expectations
With this latest fund release, the authorities are now hopeful of wrapping up the major part of the compensation distribution. The next critical step is to move towards calling tenders for the actual construction work, potentially within the current financial year. This, however, is contingent on there being no further legal or procedural hurdles.
Local representatives and community leaders have consistently emphasized that swift compensation is not just a matter of financial justice for the landowners but is also vital to addressing the perennial traffic bottlenecks on this key arterial route. They argue that the successful completion of the four-laning is essential for the region's economic growth and daily commute.
The release of Rs 102.4 crore marks a pivotal moment for the long-delayed project. While it promises closure for many, the concerns of the remaining affected families highlight the need for transparent and timely communication from the authorities to ensure complete resolution and pave the way for the much-needed infrastructure upgrade.
