Public convention against delay in NH works on Vengalam-Azhiyoor reach on Thursday

The public outrage against the slow pace of work of the National Highway 66 from Vengalam to Azhiyoor has intensified recently with the Merchants’ Association of Vadakara organising a convention of all stakeholders to discuss the further plan of action in this regard.

The work contract for the 64 km stretch from Azhiyoor to Vengalam has been undertaken by the Adani Infrastructure while the works are directly undertaken by Wagad Infraprojects on a sub contract. “While works of the NH-66 is nearly completed in most other parts of the State, the Vengalam-Azhiyoor stretch is just 44% completed. The whole reach is a big cesspool and traffic blocks are unending. This mess has adversely affected the normal life of the people in these parts over the last 2 to 3 years,” said Manalil Mohanan, a Vadakara based environmentalist adding that the excuses put forth by the contractors for the delay, were not credible enough.

The Merchant’s Association is particularly interested in finding an end to the chaos, considering the impact the delayed works had on the economy of Vadakara and surrounding areas. “Several establishments in Vadakara town have shut down during this period due to the lack of business. People rarely come to the town anymore as driving through this mess is hell. We need answers from someone responsible, as the contractors have shown little interest in our problems,” said M. Abdul Salam, working president of the association.

The MP and MLA of Vadakara had repeatedly demanded the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) and the contractors to set a time frame for the completion of the works and to stick to it. Other than a few empty promises, those discussions have not earned results, Mr. Salam added.

The Association also feels that the delayed works of the NH is the root cause of various other infrastructural problems of Vadakara, which will be resolved once the NH works are completed.

Several social and cultural organisations of Vadakara and surrounding areas are expected to be part of the public convention to be held at Vadakara Town Hall at 3 p.m. on Thursday. Meanwhile, several other organisations are also organising protests and meetings demanding that the works be speeded up.

“The sub contract of Wagad has expired. After this convention, we plan to demand the NHAI to blacklist the company and rope in another contractor for the remaining works,” Mr. Mohanan added.