KC Venugopal Raises Kayamkulam NH Issue In Parliament As Protesting Locals Plan Massive Human Chain On August 1
During the Lok Sabha proceedings yesterday, Congress General Secretary (Organisation) and MP KC Venugopal brought to the fore the critical issue of National Highway widening in Kerala, specifically its detrimental impact on historic cities such as Kayamkulam. Venugopal passionately addressed the suffering faced by the common people due to these infrastructure projects.
Venugopal stated that the widening of National Highways is underway in many parts of Kerala, causing significant distress to the residents. He expressed deep concern that the construction efforts are effectively dividing vital towns like Kayamkulam, Ambalapuzha, and Karunagappally. “Kayamkulam is one of the most historic cities and it is being divided because of the national highway construction. There is no better design for the people,” he remarked. He emphasized that the representatives from the state had repeatedly requested a design that would protect these cities. Although the Honorable Minister had been receptive to their concerns and instructed the officers, no tangible actions have been taken yet.
Venugopal also pointed out the hazardous conditions in the Aroor to Thuravoor area, where a large National Highway flyover is being constructed without parallel roads. This has led to daily accidents and 21 fatalities. He urged the government to take measures to construct parallel roads whenever highways are built, stressing the importance of safe travel for the people. “So many patients have to reach hospitals. If the roads aren’t safe, how would they reach?” he questioned.
Massive human chain on August 1
The protesting locals in Kayamkulam have planned a massive human chain on August 1, demanding an elevated pillared flyover to facilitate smooth passage without dividing the city. The locals in Alappuzha’s Kayamkulam have been actively protesting and sending delegations to various legislative and executive forums for a long time. They advocate for a flyover at one of the busiest junctions near the town after the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) decided to proceed with the NH-66 widening plans in the area. According to them, these plans are ill-conceived and will jeopardize the entire business, social, cultural, and educational aspirations of one of the most populated areas in the state.
Kayamkulam, one of the oldest mercantile cities in Kerala, relies on its ancient market for business. However, the current NHAI plan to widen NH-66 divides the city into two, effectively creating a wall between the east and west. Locals fear that this division will disrupt their lives significantly.
In early July, Alappuzha MP and senior Congress leader KC Venugopal met with Union Transport Minister Nitin Gadkari and officials from the NHAI to discuss concerns related to the ongoing National Highway expansion in his constituency. Venugopal released a statement on the meeting, noting, “There are many problems related to the national highway in Alappuzha Lok Sabha constituency. Pointing out this, Union Minister of Surface Transport Nitin Gadkari was met in Delhi and submitted a petition today. The Minister informed that Venkata Ramana, a member of the National Highways Authority, has been assigned the task of studying the issues raised on this basis and taking remedial measures.”
KC Venugopal Meets Nitin Gadkari, Raises Issues Including Elevated Highway In Kayamkulam
The meeting focused on addressing various issues, including the reconstruction of the national highway in areas such as Aroor-Thuravoor, Cherthala, Ambalapuzha, Kayamkulam, Ochira, and Karunagappalli. Venugopal highlighted the serious problems faced by local residents and commuters due to the construction activities. He emphasized that the construction of an elevated road that would divide the city of Kayamkulam is unacceptable, citing ongoing popular agitations and struggles.
According to the latest information, NHAI might construct an underpass at ONK junction, the main junction through which lakhs of people from the west come to Kayamkulam town, where most major basic infrastructure is located. However, locals argue that this proposed underpass is not a viable solution, as traffic in both directions at the said junction is heavy and expected to increase in the future.
Kayamkulam, like many other urban centers in Kerala, existed before the introduction of National Highways, and kinships and friendships are spread across both sides of the current NH. Locals fear that the wall-like NH that is coming up will break these relationships. They hope for a positive review of the current plan and consider legal recourse as a last resort.
According to the NHAI plan, a total of 176.19 km of NH-66 stretch will be widened in three districts at a combined cost of Rs 18,312.38 crore. The stakes are high, and the outcome of this struggle will significantly impact the lives of thousands in Kayamkulam and surrounding areas.
