Thiruvananthapuram: As the second phase of Kazhakkoottam-Karode NH widening works is progressing, residents of Plavila have objected to digging up of a road in the region for the works. The Kazhakkoottam-Karode Bypass action council has decided to strengthen their protests for construction of an overbridge at Plavila, which can provide connectivity between Marappalam and Nellimoodu.As works continue to progress for the Kazhakootam-Karode bypass project, several restrictions are imposed at Plavila and neighbouring locality, which has made life very difficult for the residents. The works came to an abrupt stop after residents demanded NHAI to approve overbridge at Plavila before digging up the road to make way for the bypass.Residents said that they have requested the same to public works minister G Sudhakaran, district collector K Vasuki and National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) regional director over three years ago.Raveendran Tripthi of Plavila said that the bridge could save them crucial time and energy.“There are around three markets, four temples and multiple educational institutions that will become difficult to access if the bridge is not constructed. We will have to go all the way towards Vengapotta, which is 2.5km away, to cross the bypass and further travel another 2km to reach Nellimoodu. If the bridge comes, the same destinations can be reached by travelling 500 metres,” Tripthi said.According to Sherin M S, another resident of Plavila, the road which was used by multiple school buses is used by lots of students and residents. “All of us will be affected if the bridge does not come up and if construction begins for the bypass,” he said.According to action council secretary S Mani Rao, the council demands immediate construction of the bridge.“If the road gets dug up and the bridge does not come, we will be forced to travel a lengthy route to reach the other side. The bypass is supposed to cut through Kinattadi-Thazhankaadu Road which was constructed as part of Pradhan Manthri Sadak Yojana. This means, connectivity between Marapallam and Nellimoodu will be affected. We will protest until the demand for the overbridge is met,” Rao said.

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