The Hindu : Kerala / Kozhikode News : ‘Expedite rail overbridge work’

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Dec 07, 2007
ePaper

Kerala

Kerala - Kozhikode

‘Expedite rail overbridge work’

Staff Reporter

Compensation yet to be paid to those from whom land was acquired

Kozhikode: The delay in the construction of a rail overbridge at Koyilandi is drawing attention, more than ever, from various quarters.

Only the land acquisition process has been completed so far. Compensation for those who lost their land has not yet been disbursed. “Rs.1.03 crore is needed for disbursing compensation. The Finance Minister had assured that the amount will be included in the next budget,” said Koyilandi Municipal chairman K. Dasan.

The Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) is entrusted with the construction of the overbridge. Once the amount is allocated, the work can soon start after paying compensation, Mr. Dasan said. The RBDCK stopped the work at Koyilandi following protest over collecting toll at overbridges elsewhere. “We are organising a meeting of political parties and youth organisations to discuss the issue,” says P.K. Raghunath, president, Koyilandi Railway Passengers’ Association.

Currently, the Railway gates on the Thamarassery -Koyilandi State Highway and on Koyilandi – Muthambi – Areekulam - Perambra road are closed nearly 54 times a day for trains to pass, said Mr. Raghunath. “This may even go up to 60 times when the number of trains goes up during certain days,” he added. The closing of the gate on the Thamarassery-Koyilandi inconveniences patients going to Medical College Hospital.

Printer friendly page
Send this article to Friends by E-Mail

Kerala