More labourers to be deployed for NH repair works in Kozhikode

The total workforce will be increased soon to speed up the ongoing National Highway widening works and service road repairs in Kozhikode district. The move follows a recent discussion initiated by people’s representatives in the presence of National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) officials.

Various local action committees alleged that the work was being delayed due to the inadequate workforce at the sites. Though several committees had taken up the matter with NHAI officials, they had not received any assurance from the higher authorities.

According to NHAI sources, the latest decision is to complete all emergency road repairs on NH-66 within a week. The proposed works will mainly address issues raised by residents at Thiruvangoor, Vengalam, Chengottukavu, Nandi, Payyoli, Iringal, and Vadakara.

“Traffic diversion is also under consideration in some of the accident-prone stretches to support the works. It will be implemented with prior notice to the public,” said an engineer supervising the project. He added that the contractors were aware of public concerns and would ensure the completion of all entrusted works within a week. 

Meanwhile, engineers from the road contracting company in Kozhikode district expressed concerns over adverse weather conditions, which they said could hamper meeting the deadlines. They added that the number of labourers would be increased soon following recent discussions with NHAI officials, but the timely completion of the works would depend on the weather.

Since the onset of the monsoon, private bus operators have been up in arms over the poor condition of service roads on the Kozhikode–Kannur National Highway. According to them, the rough, pothole-ridden roads have caused numerous mechanical problems. They also complained about reduced mileage due to frequent traffic snarls.

“Night riding has become a dangerous task for motorists on the national highway due to the absence of proper streetlights and warning signs. Two-wheeler riders and light motor vehicle drivers are the worst affected, often falling into deep potholes or ditches along the road,” said Manoj Thazhath, a member of a local action committee at Chengottukavu. He added that motorists unfamiliar with the poor condition of the road accounted for most of the victims of such hazards.