Samrakshana Samithi lashes out at NHAI

KOCHI: After raising voice against increased rates at Kumbalam toll plaza on NH-47, which was put into effect on Sunday, NHAI Samrakshana Samithi lashed out at the NHAI authorities for failing in implementing basic facilities in the areas around the toll plaza.
According to sources, major accidents in the area have occurred due to the absence of street lights. “There are no street lights on the stretch between Vyttila and Aroor, which leads to the toll plaza. Also, the works to make the road four-lane were completed two years back, however, accompanying works like laying the service lane, covering drains, boundary separating the road from the service lane, etc have not been put in place,” said Hashim Chellambilly, a NHAI Samrakshana Samithi member.
The samithi members asked NHAI to take up the responsibility and complete the unfinished work soon. “The works of the service roads near the plaza is yet to be completed. Why can’t they increase the toll after completing their work,” Hashim added.
Meanwhile, the authorities concerned said that they have only implemented the orders that came from NHAI headquarters. When asked about the issues brought up by the samithi, NHAI Project Director C T Abraham said, “We are only partially responsible for the road. The  local bodies concerned can ensure the maintenance of street lights and footpaths.”