Road Over Bridge projects fast-tracked in Kollam, Alappuzha, and Kottayam

Major infrastructure improvements are underway in Mavelikara Lok Sabha constituency, with multiple Over Road Bridge (ROB) projects going through various stages of development to eliminate chronic traffic congestion at railway level crossings. “These initiatives, covering Kollam, Alappuzha and Kottayam districts, are designed to provide a permanent solution to the transportation hurdles that have been plaguing commuters and local businesses in the region for long,” said Kodikunnil Suresh, MP.

The proposed Over Road Bridge (ROB) project at Avaneeswaram level crossing in Kollam district has been approved for 2020-21. In principle approval was received from the General Manager to provide 100% railway financing for this project. With the appointment of KRDCL (Kerala Rail Development Corporation Limited) as the executing agency, the process of obtaining GAD (General Arrangement Drawing) approval at the government level is currently ongoing.

The ROB construction project at Mynagappally level crossing in Kollam district was approved in 2016-17 and the land acquisition process is currently progressing after GAD approval in July 2022. “Once the project is completed, traffic congestion on the Kayamkulam-Kollam railway section will reduce significantly,” Mr. Suresh said.

The construction of Thrippakudam railway overbridge in Alappuzha district has already started. “Regarding the proposed ROB project at Mavelikara Kallumala level crossing, construction work is progressing through RBDCK (Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation) after completion of land acquisition procedures. Approval has also been given for ROB projects at Nalukodi and Vadakkekara in Kottayam district,” he added.

ROB projects in Thakazhi (Alappuzha district) and Changanassery (Kottayam district) received approval in the financial year 2023-24. Approval in principle for 100% rail financing for both locations has been given and procedures for implementation through KRDCL are progressing. Construction works of these projects can start after GAD (General Arrangement Drawing) approval is received.