Kochi: Kerala CM inaugurates Vyttila, Kundanoor flyovers

KOCHI: Putting an end to the traffic congestion at two of the busiest junctions on NH-66 in Kerala, chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan inaugurated Vyttila and Kundanoor flyovers on Saturday.
Through a video conference the chief minister inaugurated the flyovers located at Vyttila Junction and Kundanoor Junction at 9.30 am and 11 am respectively. Inaugurating the projects, he said that the government was able to complete the “much-delayed projects” in a time bound manner. He said the flyovers will address the issue of traffic congestion on NH-66 and ensure development of the national highways.

PWD minister G Sudhakaran who presided over the inaugural ceremony threw open the flyover for public. Vehicles started moving through the Vyttila flyover at 10.41 am and on Kundanoor flyover by 12.20 pm. The PWD minister became the first commuter to travel through the newly-built flyovers.
During the inaugural speech the chief minster hit out at V4Kochi for the unauthorised opening of the flyover. In a veiled attack on V4Kochi he said that some people who were not present during the crisis have tried to ruin the project. He said, “These people were not around when the projects were stalled. They were absent when a nearby flyover was found unsafe and became defunct. The government was able to clear all hurdles and complete the two flyovers and these people are now trying to sabotage it. They are seeking attention by creating unnecessary issues,” he said.
The chief minister also criticised justice (retired) Kamal Pasha for extending support to V4Kochi for opening the flyover. Without mentioning Pasha’s name, the chief minister said that it is only possible to “condemn the activities of persons who had adorned higher posts of judiciary when they support such activities,” he said.
Speaking at the inaugural event PWD minister G Sudhakaran said that the date for inaugurating the flyovers only after being certified that these structures are fit to be used for public transportation. “We received report that the works of the flyover was completed on January 5 and the obtained fitness certificate on January 8. We did not waste time. It is in Kochi that there are few people who create nuisance. It is some kind of criminal mafia,” he said that such activities in Kochi cannot be allowed.
In his speech finance minister Thomas Isaac said that even at these times when the country faces an economic slowdown, Kerala is able to go ahead with implementation of infrastructure development projects.