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The Chief Minister of Kerala, Shri Oommen Chandy today met the Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways, Thiru T. R. Baalu in connection with the progress of various port and national highway development projects being implemented in Kerala. He was accompanied by Shri K. C. Venugopal, Minister of Tourism, Govt. of Kerala and Dr. K. S. Manoj, Member of Parliament (Lok Sabha) from Alappuzha.
Shri Chandy requested that the proposed General Cargo Terminal at Mullakal, to be set up by the Inland waterways Authority of India (IWAI), may be shifted to Pallathurathy so as to avoid adverse impact on back water tourism in the area and the world renowned Nehru Trophy Boat Race of Alappuzha. Thiru Baalu directed the Chairman, IWAI to visit the area on July 01 along with Shri Venugopal and Dr. Manoj and make appropriate recommendation after discussions with State authorities.
Informing Shri Chandy about the progress of 4-laning works in Kerala under NHDP Phase III, Thiru Baalu said that preparation of Detailed Project Report (DPR) is in progress for the Thiruvananthapuram - Kerala/Tamil Nadu border section of NH 47. For the Mangalore - Edapally section of NH 17, preparation of DPR would start in 15 days and for the Charthalai – Thiruvananthapuram section of NH 47, DPR work would be awarded within 15 days, Thiru Baalu informed.
Shri Chandy proposed development of Sabrimala road to 4-lane as a large number of pilgrims visit the place. Thiru Baalu said that the proposal could be discussed only after the state authorities obtain environmental clearance for the proposal. Shri Chandy also called for expediting the completion of Kollam and Alappuzha bypasses on NH 47. Thiru Baalu informed that the work on Alappuzha bypass is in progress and is likely to be completed by December 2006. Further, the balance work on Kollam bypass, and the work on other bypasses on NH 17 and NH 47 would be taken up along with 4-laning under NHDP Phase III. Thiru Baalu also instructed the Secretary (Road Transport and Highways) and the Chief Engineer concerned to visit Kerala on July 04 to sort out the problems of land acquisition and other matters pertaining to bypasses and Central Road Fund proposals.
NSD/BS
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