The uncertainties related to the construction of the vehicular underpass (VUP) being constructed at Kumarichantha in Thiruvananthapuram as part of the development of National Highway 66 have been resolved with the intervention of Shashi Tharoor, MP. After a few rounds of discussions with National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) chairman Santosh Kumar Yadav, it has been decided to approve the new proposal of three spans of 30 m each, instead of the single span of 20 m proposed earlier.
Initially, the project was envisaged to have a single span of 20 m in the stretch. When the local residents protested against this, Mr. Tharoor intervened and decided to allow three spans of 20 m each. However, the construction of the national highway was hampered when the people intensified their agitation, stating that it was insufficient. Later, Mr. Tharoor again consulted the issue with the NHAI chairman and conveyed the concerns and practical difficulties of the public who travel on this road daily.
Subsequently, based on the discussion, the NHAI now approved the new proposal of three spans of 30 m each, said a statement here on Tuesday. The MP also informed that this new decision was taken after consulting the leaders of the Janakiya Samiti.
