The wait is finally over for the people of Alappuzha as the much-awaited inauguration of the Alappuzha bypass took place today. The bypass was thrown open to the public jointly by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari and Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan through videoconference at 1 pm.
During the inauguration ceremony, Minister of Public Works G Sudhakaran criticises the Congress party. He said, “Although the Centre and Kerala ruled together, the Congress did nothing.” He even added that it is not on the road that the Congress has to put the flex, but in the hearts of the people.
The 6.8km stretch includes 4.8km of elevated highway, which will come as a great relief to those commuting via NH 66. The stretch built at Rs 346 crore links Kommady to Kalarcode on NH 66. An additional Rs 25 crore was spent by the state government for developing Kalarcode and Kommady junctions, installing light among other works. The 6.8 km long two–lane bypass passes through the western side of NH 66.
The project is a dream come true for Alappuzha natives. It was completed 45 years after the project was first put forward and nearly six-years after the construction works began in April 2015. The project was supposed to be completed in September 2017 but got delayed due to various reasons. Then the deadline was extended to May 2018 and again to August 31, 2018.
One of the main highlights of the Alappuzha bypass is the elevated highway that passes by the Alappuzha beach, giving a clear view of the Arabian Sea. The elevated highway provides a visual treat for passengers if they are travelling at the right time.
Meanwhile, the Congress workers staged a protest march for not inviting KC Venugopal for the inauguration of the Alappuzha bypass. Hundreds of party supporters, led by Congress leader M Liju, marched toward the inauguration venue. The bypass was conceptualized by KC Venugopal, and in a joint move, the Centre and State government excluded the Congress leader from the inauguration, claims Liju. However, MP KC Venugopal said that he has expected the invitation for the Alappuzha bypass. It was my effort that led to the completion of this project and the Left Front should not reap the benefits, said the MP.
