Kerala's Hill Highway Faces Backlash Over Absence of Key 7-Km Stretch

The inauguration of the Kodenchery-Kakkadampoyil Hill Highway’s first phase on February 15 by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has sparked debate due to the absence of a 7.217-km segment originally planned in the project. The road, expected to enhance connectivity in Kozhikode district, was initially designed as a 34.35-km stretch, but only 27 km was completed.

Dispute Over Alignment Changes

The omitted stretch, between Anakkulampara and Thazhekakkadampoyil, was included in the project’s 2018 Detailed Project Report (DPR). Residents had given up land without compensation based on the original plan. The changes have led to concerns that officials modified the alignment without proper justification.

Human rights activist Saithalavi has filed a petition with the vigilance department, alleging that the project was altered arbitrarily. He claims the modifications contradict government orders and that the changes were made despite earlier commitments to landowners.

Allegations of Financial Mismanagement

One of the key concerns raised in the complaint is the project’s financial handling. In 2018, the estimated cost of the entire stretch was ₹144 crore. However, by 2024, the cost had risen to ₹198.35 crore, despite the removal of the 7.217-km stretch. The contract was awarded to ULCCS with a 10% cost increase over the original estimate. The complaint suggests that instead of adjusting the budget downward after excluding a portion of the road, the contractor revised costs multiple times.

Additionally, a separate allocation of ₹26.5 crore was approved for the omitted stretch under another project. The complaint argues that this decision was irregular and questions why the missing segment required a separate funding approval. Citing Section 3 of 13(1)(d)2 of the Prevention of Corruption Act, 1988, the petition alleges misuse of authority, financial loss, and erosion of public trust.

The vigilance department has begun examining the matter, with its first hearing taking place on February 17.

Justification for Modifications

Thiruvambady MLA Linto Joseph has defended the project changes, stating that the excluded stretch did not meet the required gradient for a hill highway. He explained that including it would have required six hairpin bends, making it technically unfeasible under state highway regulations.

According to him, the cost increase was due to factors such as Goods and Services Tax (GST) adjustments, land acquisition, and utility shifting. Rehabilitation of eight displaced families also contributed to higher expenses. He clarified that the 7-km stretch is not abandoned but has been sanctioned separately under a village road project with a ₹26 crore allocation.

Features of the Completed Stretch

The completed 27-km road includes a 12-metre-wide carriageway, underground cables and pipes, bus stops, traffic signal systems, guardrails, and concrete pavements. Two bridges, at Koombara and Veettippara, have also been built. The road connects Kodenchery, Thiruvambady, and Koodaranji panchayats and links to the upcoming Anakkampoyil-Kalladi-Meppadi tunnel road.

The next phase of the project is expected to extend the highway from Kakkadampoyil to Nilambur. Meanwhile, the vigilance proceedings will determine if the modifications were justified or if corrective action is required.