Summary of the NH widening issue

This is with regard to the request of an All-Party delegation from Kerala to reduce the width of National Highways in Kerala from the stipulated 45 metre to 30 metre. We feel that this decision, taken at an All-Party Meet on 20 th April, 2010, is disappointing and lacks farsightedness.

The width was reduced to 45 metre from the National Standard of 60 metre in 2007, based on a representation from the State Government, citing high population density and non-availability of land as the reasons.

Present 45/30 meter NH roads are already bursting at their seams and traffic blocks have become an everyday feature. With a high vehicle-to-population ratio in Kerala (1: 6 as compared to the national average of 1:25) the present National Highway road network is already experiencing traffic levels higher than the road capacity. Also the vehicle density of Kerala is 170/ Sq km as compared to the national average of 30/Sq km. Research shows that traffic volume, particularly on National Highways 17 and 47, is likely to exceed road capacity levels by nearly three times in a 10-year period and about six times in another 20 years (10-12% traffic growth rate).

The National Highways connect main cities like Thiruvananthapuram, Kollam, Kochi, Thrissur and Kozhikode to each other and to other towns and villages. It is also the centre point of trade, with approximately 80% of goods for consumption been transported through it. Kerala’s three airports as well as Cochin Port and other ports are connected by these National Highways. It is estimated that around 8.5 lakh persons use the highways every day. If the width is reduced to 30 metre, it will cause chaos and hamper the daily activities of countless common people and business community at large. An estimated Rs. 2700 crore per annum can be saved by way of savings in man hours, fuel, maintenance and wear and tear of vehicles by a well maintained highway system.

The number of accidents and fatalities is high, with an average 100 accidental deaths or grievous injuries happening everyday on Kerala roads. A study report shows that most of the people affected by accidents are the bread winners of families of lower income group. Total number of people affected by road accidents each year is about three times that of number of people affected by land acquisition in the present proposed NH improvement.

It may kindly be noted that in the case of collected BOT model only users pay. Otherwise, when the Govt. charges no user fee, more tax has to be from the general public to build the roads and thus people who are not using this facility also have to pay for it. This may please be compared with the model of electricity and water supply where Govt. collects the charges only from the users.

Finally, disaster management and national security concerns are better addressed by a proper highway system connecting coastal villages. Good connectivity and access will help the State respond faster in emergency situations. Evacuation and transportation of the masses will be possible only when there is proper connectivity between the district headquarters and villages to other parts of the State.

The allegation that land acquisition will affect 24 lakh persons is exaggerated and unfounded. Study reports show that only about 50000 people is actually affected.  If the concerns of the people affected by land acquisition are resolved properly people will be ready to give their land for the proposed widening, which will be in the larger interest of the entire state.

This issue is indeed, one that needs immediate intervention of the Hon.  Chief Minister and the Hon. Minister for Public Works.