Date:24/11/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/11/24/stories/2007112462461100.htm

National

Baalu approves Rs. 17 crore for road projects

Special Correspondent

NEW DELHI: Union Minister of Shipping, Road Transport and Highways T.R. Baalu has approved a sum of Rs. 17 crore for road improvement projects in Kerala.

An official release said Rs. 433.28 lakh was approved for Improvement of Riding Quality Programme (IRQP) from km 226/000 to 237/000 on NH-49, which connects Madurai in Tamil Nadu to Kochi, commercial capital of Kerala.

Similarly, Rs. 372.70 lakh was approved under the IRQP between km 45/000 to km. 52/000, on NH-208 (Kollam-Checotah Road).

Major road

It is one of the major inter-State roads with heavy traffic of commercial vehicles between Kerala and Tamil Nadu. Tourist spots such as Thenmala, Palaruvi and Courtalam waterfalls are situated on the side of the road.

Another proposal cleared involves an expenditure of Rs. 439.37 lakh under the IRQP for NH –220 (Kollam-Theni Road).

This road is of great importance in inter-State transport in South India.