Date:06/08/2006 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2006/08/06/stories/2006080622080500.htm

Kerala - Thrissur

`Road network proposal to be ready in three months'

Staff Reporter

Thrissur: Public Works Minister P.J. Joseph on Saturday said that a project to develop a new network of roads in the State would be formulated within three months.

Addressing a press conference here, Mr. Joseph said that RITES Limited (an agency established in 1974 by the Indian Railways) would draw up the plan and proposal, and these would be placed before the Left Democratic Front and the Cabinet.

The new road network project would be implemented with the support of various national and international agencies.

Asked if the new endeavour was a substitute for the express highway project proposed by the United Democratic Front Government, Mr. Joseph said that the State needed "a new road network by whatever name it is called". "The express highway project, especially the manner in which it has been envisaged by the UDF, is not being considered by the LDF Government. The express highway has many disadvantages, including access control and width of 100 m."

Mr. Joseph said that passenger and freight traffic would increase over the next 10 years, with development projects to the tune of Rs.20,000 crores being implemented in Kochi.