The state has allocated Rs 190.39 million for this purpose, in addition to Rs 180.75 million that was already available in the tahsildar’s account. The acquisition is part of a broader land acquisition effort for the second phase of the project, which includes three sections: HMT Road-NAD Junction to Mahilalayam Junction, Mahilalayam Junction to Chowara, and Chowara to Airport Road.

In the 2.7km stretch from Kalamassery to NAD, construction has been completed on the 1.5km stretch where land is available, while land belonging to NAD is still pending acquisition. The amount of Rs 230.06 million has been handed over to the tahsildar, who will issue award enquiry notes to landowners. Once the necessary documents are provided, the land will be acquired with the compensation.

Acquisition efforts for the HMT land are progressing, with authorities aiming to expedite the process. The NAD-Mahilalayam stretch involves over 400 landowners, and while the process is expected to take at least six months, the acquisition of HMT land can proceed once the required amount is deposited, as there is only one landholder for that section.

Land acquisition is also progressing on the 6.5km NAD-Mahilalayam section, where two bridges have already been constructed across the Periyar. However, the final 4.15km section, from Chowara to the airport, is pending government approval for land acquisition.

News source: The New Indian Express