Site clearance for NH bypass nearing completion

The site clearance for the widening of the National Highway-66 bypass stretch from Mukkola to Karode in the Kerala-Tamil Nadu border is nearing completion. The removal of trees, vegetation and other waste materials along the 16.5-km stretch is ´70 per cent complete´, thereby paving way for the development of the second reach of the bypass. The 24-month engineering, procurement and construction (EPC) contract for four-laning of the stretch, which the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) awarded to L&T Construction, came into effect on June 15. ´The site has been prepared and handed over to the contractor for commencing the four-laning work without further delay. We hope to prevent obstacles hindering the progress of the work as witnessed during phases of the development of the first reach from Kazhakuttam-Mukkola,´ an official said.