The Kerala government has issued administrative approval to revamp the Varkala-Kallambalam road at Rs 16.83 crore.
The order issued also indicates that the accident-prone spots at Marakkada Mukku Junction and the curve after Vadasserikonam Junction shall be enhanced considering road safety needs.
Varkala-Kallambalam Road is one of the most traversed stretches directing to Sivagiri and Varkala tourist spots.
Since this portion is the most dangerous part of the road, the land acquisition possibility at Marakkadamukku Junction shall be explored. Besides, the footpaths provided near schools will be protected with handrails with openings at the zebra crossing.
The transition of the main road into the bus bay shall be accomplished as per relevant standards and shall be intimated to Regional Transport Office (RTO), and police authorities & Kerala State Road Transport Corporation (KSRTC) has been urged to implement the usage of bus bays after their construction to evade the wastage of public money.
Current road safety works will be evaluated, and suitable modifications may be included before issuing technical sanctions by the competent authority. The provision of utility ducts will have to be intimated to Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB), Kerala Water Authority (KWA) & Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited (BSNL) to avoid unnecessary road digging.
It has been directed that parking requirements at appropriate locations shall be considered without compromising road safety needs. All main junctions and curves will be enhanced considering road safety standards.
The chief engineer of roads had submitted a detailed estimate on the work improvements to Varkala – Kallambalam road and allied works in Varkala for Rs 17.2 crore. Later, the chief technical examiner did a site visit and directed the chief engineer to provide a new estimation.
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