The alignment for the development of the Kollam-Theni National Highway (NH 183) has been finalised and the proposal is to widen the existing NH and convert it into a four-lane road. The greenfield bypass will not be part of this development and the 3A notification for land acquisition will be issued within three weeks.

“If the revenue authorities expedite the land acquisition process, the project can obtain financial approval this year itself,” said N. K. Premachandran, MP, after a meeting of the District Development coordination and Monitoring committee (DISHA) here recently.. He said the Revenue department should work diligently to complete the administrative procedures and land acquisition processes in a timely manner and steps must be expedited to secure funding for the project in this financial year itself.

The meeting concluded that the new guidelines of the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) are not suitable for road development in Kollam district. Given the situation where funds are not being allocated even for the development of major roads submitted by the district under the new criteria, it was decided to request both the Central and State governments to reconsider the guidelines. The meeting also discussed issues related to providing all the houses sanctioned by the Centre under the Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (Gramin).

The committee also instructed local bodies to take necessary steps as funds for the Swachh Bharat Mission could not be utilised due to their failure in submitting projects as per guidelines. It was also decided in the meeting to request the Central government to urgently provide the entire outstanding amount under the National Family Benefit Scheme (NFBS), a government scheme for widows, as there is a huge backlog in the financial assistance to be provided under this scheme. The meeting reviewed 40 centrally funded schemes being implemented by various departments in the district. It was decided to intensify efforts to ensure timely spending of funds allocated by the Centre and to ensure development.