Sunday, October 26, 2014

Elevated highway is more fast and economical for Kerala - a concept paper



Government of India as a special case has reduced the width of National Highway from the national pattern of 60 metres to 45 metres for Kerala due to the stiff opposition from people. Still the Government is unable to take possession of 45 metres of land and thinking of reducing it further to 30 metres width. Even after construction, there is likelihood of strong opposition against toll collection and because of this, there are few takers for the construction of road under BOT model, when Kazhakkuttom – Mukkola stretch was tendered by NHAI.

Apart from the land acquisition and displacement, another point for opposition is against the restrictions imposed on people on both side of the road to cross over when a new highway is built. Some of them may sometimes have to travel a few kilometres to cross the road. This is a thickly populated State and such restrictions will lead to never ending public protests. Transport buses plying through the new highways stopping at regular intervals, operation of the signal systems etc will further reduce the vehicular speed. In small towns, in the normal situation itself, flyovers will have to be built in full length.

The aforesaid reasons are the main causes of delay for widening of highways in Kerala. As a solution, even though costly, it is suggested that elevated highway is a feasible option for Kerala. In 45 metres normal highway, the effective road width for four lanes is only about 24 metres, other areas left for medians and service roads. For elevated highways, the cost of construction estimated will be around Rs.100 Crores per Kilometre for roads with 24 metres width. This is not a high cost if one compares the cost with certain stretch like Karamana – Kaliyikkavila, where widening of existing road to 30.2 metres itself, which has proved very costly.

Cost estimates from Karamana – Pravachambalam stretch come to Rs. 375.93 Cr as on date. The total length of the road between Karamana and Pravachambalam is 5.5 kilometres and it can be seen that per Kilometre cost has come to Rs.68.35 Crores. In short, for a normal highway with 45 metres width, the cost of construction would be around 75 Crores per Kilometre – this may be true at least in South Kerala. It is suggested that elevated highways is the only feasible option for Kerala especially between Kazhakkuttom to Thrissur or  even upto Kozhikkode, 

Advantages;

# Already 30 metres of land is available in most of this stretch and it is easy to build one elevated highway of four lanes without any further land acquisition. 

# The pedestals of elevated highways will occupy only 2 to 3 metres on ground and since no land acquisition is involved, the work can be commenced immediately. Otherwise, with resistance from people, it will take years to get the land acquisition completed and by the time the present cost of Rs.75 Crore per Kilometre will double or triple.

# No hardships for anyone due to land acquisition or displacement, and therefore no rehabilitation needed.

# People can cross freely between two sides below the elevated highway.

# Slow moving buses, which stop at every bus stop, can ply through the existing highway, and this will not slowdown vehicle at high speeds moving through elevated highway.

# No service roads are also required.

#There will not be any cross roads, nor pedestrians   on the elevated highway and this will facilitate non-stop travel between ways.

# Normally Rs.100-250 per vehicle is collected as toll in newly constructed national highway. Since people can travel below the elevated highway without paying toll, there is no opposition on collection of toll for the elevated highway and therefore a higher toll; say Rs. 500 to 750 per vehicle could be collected. For instance, today, it will take 5 to 6 hours for one to travel to Ernakulam from Thiruvananthapuram during peak hours. But in elevated highway, an average speed of about 80-100 Km (minimum) could be maintained and one can reach Ernakulam in 2.5 to 3 hours. After initial threshold period of 1 to 2 years, people will prefer to travel on elevated highway by paying higher toll, since there is substantial savings in time, fuel and maintenance of vehicles to them.

# Since there is no resistance from public against toll collection, more firms will come forward to build this on a BOT model or at least under VGF option.

#  Less fuel means, less import charges for petroleum products. Remember Kerala is one state where large numbers of vehicles are registered every day. There will be huge savings in terms of fuel import bills to the nation, which will offset the initial costs.

#  Last and most important reason is the possibility of substantial reduction in road accidents. Over 3500 lives are lost every year due to road accidents in Kerala. Several thousands are crippled. Apart from loss of lives and hardships, a substantial amount is given as insurance compensation. This will be reduced substantially since there are no pedestrians. Partial funding can be obtained from insurance companies also.

Issues to overcome

#  The construction of the elevated highways in narrow roads of Attingal etc without blocking the existing traffic is not possible. Land acquisition for bypass, widening of other by lanes to direct traffic may have to be studied and feasibility to worked out. 

#  Traffic diversion during construction may be necessary in some of the stretches.

#  The Access / Exit  inter-change ways, even though in restricted numbers could be constructed only after acquiring large tracts of land.

Considering all these, it was suggested to Govt   that as a pilot, the 60 Km stretch between Kazhakkuttom to Kollam may be taken up as elevated highway on experimental basis, in continuation to the Kazhakkuttom to Karode stretch, which is already taken up as 45 metres National Highway by NHAI. Total cost for 60 Km is estimated as Rs.6000 Crores, which is not a big sum to raise for the State. Once returns are forth coming as toll in the stretch, that will instil confidence in the minds of investors, and more firms will come forward to construct elevated highways on BOT model, without any investment for Government. I request that the feasibility of this proposal for a pilot project may be studied.


 (this is note recently given to the Govt and NHAI to think about a pilot project of elevated highway)

103 comments:

  1. Idea is great! How to find the fund for 550 Km line at least across Kerala? It will be around 55, 000 Crore!

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  2. Brillant thoughts ..well customized to Kerala specific

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  3. The idea is good but 22 m elevated road for such a distance has practical diffulties associated with it . Land acquisitions cannot be avoided as it needs to be constructed alongside of existing narrow roads. Moreover the 22m elevated highway will be shared by both public transporters and private fast moving vehicles along with goods movement. If their is a possibility of elevated transport it will be better with elevated high speed trains. The elevated rail corridor for a better public transport systems for passenger's and cargo. What ever the case is, out of box ideas can only save kerala. Best wishes sir.

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  4. Wonderful and viable idea. Not sure how much support you will get for execution. These transformational ideas if implementef will change the face of our loving city. Go Go sir, all the best

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  5. Sir, best vision compatible to our environment. Well studied blueprint on traffic management during construction period is required.

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  6. hi sir, We have excellent people like you who can bring in terrific ideas and act without wasting time.... but its high time the authorities and parties get to a consensus out of a political WILL. we are already lagging behind in terms of infrastructure. now its time to move on, taking into confidence the beneficiaries who are the public.Good roads which are safe to travel is something the govt has to provide as they collect all sorts of taxes from the public. yes, the debate on 30m-45m-60m will go on and on, controlled by a few with vested interest unless an actual 60m road will not be able to handle the traffic volume.
    wish u all luck to take this concept to another new level...

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  8. My opinions send to bijuprabhakar@gmail.com.

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  9. This is what I am proposing. Many foreign countries are adopted this method for transportation. you will like the infrastructure for transportation adopted by Singapore, Hongkong, Thailand and some European countries. In Kerala elevated highways are more successful than acquisition of land and creating roads and rails. It is more economical also. Land Value and evacuation of people from thickly populated areas will give more headache to the Government and this will create inordinate delay in the completion of the project within the means allocated .

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  10. Sir, Roads in Kerala are full of Curves, Ups and Downs. Please consider reducing the number of curves and straightening those curves that cannot be avoided. Ups and Downs are very difficult to avoid in our State.

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  11. Good futuristic situation specific suggestion..

    Let a feasibility study be conducted including People Impact Assessment involving people through an opinion poll.
    A stretch most affected due to the "Mad Road Syndrome" of our so called NH ,may be selected for the study.
    Now its sheer loss of time, energy, peace of mind...causing even hypertension ... ( if you drive your own), precious lives ( mortality rate comparable to dreaded contageuos diseases). "inborn egoistic ,megalomaniac at own backyard attitude" of average mallus ...add fuel to the situation, is happening during prime hours on our roads..
    Alternate shortest routes with minimum possible offensive interventions may also be considered.
    Let it be a true Community involved PPP model...
    But "WHO" will bell the "CAT".....

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  12. very good suggestion,but the toll must be limited to Rs.250 to attract more vehicles on the proposed elevated road

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  13. Sir, here is a simple and humble suggestion.In road accidents,lots of peoples are dying on the way to hospital due to traffic blocks. it will be better to implement your idea of elevated roads from all main places to all medical college hospitals, as a test case. If it succeeds, you will get more and more support from everybody to build up your new idea.

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  14. Sir, Really great plan. I am so happy to read this practical formula. I also telling this to very people from that last few years. India need people like you. Then only our Nation will get faster and sustainable growth. Sir, all the very best to all your National development missions. As an Indian citizen I am strongly expressing my support to you.

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  15. Sir can u just do something for the waste disposal in trivandrum first

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  16. Sir can u just do something for the waste disposal in trivandrum first

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  17. Sir can u just do something for the waste disposal in trivandrum first

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  18. Sir,
    This is a very good initiative !!!!.

    But already in TVM we built Thakaraparambhu Over Bridge (elevated highway) to bypass the traffic
    to Kazhakuttam/Attingal/Kollam without entering TVM city.

    But even now, there is no Sign-Board in killipalam Area to guide the traffic thru this bridge.
    Can this be done in priority ?

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  20. Pilot Project should be Between Karamana - CRPF Pallickal as part of Light Metro. The Metro lines can be converted into double decker eg: - Jaipur Metro Making the first 8 line Highway of the state with no land acquisition. The above idea is not part of the paper

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  21. The proposal for Elevated Highway in Kerala is a very positive one. With the cost of land acquisition escalating at a very high rate in Kerala, Elevated Highway will be an apt solution in the long run. Unnecessary litigation arising in connection with land acquisition can thus be avoided by the Government. The construction of this type of highway can be done as done in the case of Kochi Metro. Good luck.

    sunilkumar, JS, GAD.

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  22. Elevated high way is the possible way try as pilot project between Kazhakutom kollam route

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  23. I appreciate your idea.try to overcome with all hurdles in the paperwork & all keralites will support in this if the toll amounts is quite practical.

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  24. I appreciate ur idea.now we face the problem for fund.nh47 elevated road & metro project can be connected at the same route so funding will be easy.now steel,cement etc material cost is half in international market.each pillar width can be adjusted with in 3.25 mtrs & height of the pillar 20 feet from surface so construction cost can be reduce.
    Kindly visit Kerala highway blogspot.in & highway action forum in face book.

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  25. Its a very good move sir.In Kerala there is ribbon type development on either side of the national highways.On land acquisition for road widening the govt promises to give very low price money than the market value.but in a thickly populated state like Kerala how can people find land again for their shelter.This is the third time we r losing our land for national highway widening.so many times we have given so many suggestions to the government through memorandums.Its really surprising that all the governments have hidden interest on imposing B.O.T roads to the people.Its very appreciating fact that a high official like you took a great move on this grave matter which was mentally nagging us since 2008.Six years back we have given such an option to the government but there was no positive response. All the governments irrespective of their political parties are always changing their decisions.We have given the example of Hyderabad aerial roads which was done by L&T .Anyway thanks a lot for studying various aspects,merits,and demerits of this project.Heartfelt thanks for the same sir.if you can execute you ideas about this project that will be a golden feather in your official life.anticipating that this project will be executed soon.

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  26. even if you build a bypass, soon shops and buildings, crossings , parking etc will come and becomes congested. after some time travel is again slow. only shops, business and real estate benefits. if you realy want to establish everlasting travel infra, flyevers and undergrounds are the best option.

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  27. Dear Sir
    This is a very good idea. Why can't we implement it in Thiruvananthapuram along with the Metro project from East Fort to kazhakkoottam, a distance of 18 Kilometers. The expenditure for this elevated highway will be half that of elevated road alone. DMRC has already done an elevated road as a first level and Metro rail above this elevated as second level in Jaipur. The news about this can be seen if you browse Metro Jaipur.

    The funds can be mobilised by making huge stagnating wealth available with Padmanabhaswamy temple. For utilising their wealth the temple can be made the major share holder of this project.

    KP Rajendran, KP Narendranathan, TRIVANDRUM

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  28. Kindly expedite for its fulfillment, we appreciate your suggestions.

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  29. Kindly expedite for its fulfillment, we appreciate your suggestions.

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  31. very good suggestion sir..great idea..

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  32. best suggestion . why can't we think this concept through out kerala from one end to another .

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  33. Sir,your idea about elevated highway is most suitable for Kerala due to the density of population . But very soon you are going to realise the forces who are working against such fruitful ideas.

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  34. innovative idea..
    its suitable for kerala

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  35. നൂറു കോടിക്ക് ഒരു കിലോമീറ്റെർ elivated നാല് വരിപ്പാത തീരുമെന്ന് വിശ്വസിക്കുവാൻ പ്രയാസം. കാരണം കൊച്ചി മേട്രോയുടെയും തിരുവനന്തപരം കോഴിക്കോട് മോണോ റെയിലുകളുടെയും ചെലവ് എത്രയാണെന്ന് നമുക്ക് വ്യക്ത്തമായി അറിയാവുന്നതല്ലേ. അതും ഏതാനും മീറ്റെർ മാത്രം വീതിയിൽ ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നതിന്‌. അപ്പോൾപിന്നെ അതിന്റെ പല മടങ്ങ്‌ വീതിയിൽ നാല് വരിപ്പാത യുണ്ടാക്കുന്നതിനോ?
    elivated റോഡ്‌ എന്നത് മറ്റു മാർഗങ്ങളില്ലാത്തിടത്തു വളരെ ചുരുങ്ങിയ ദൂരത്തേക്കു മാത്രം നടപ്പാക്കാവുന്ന ഒരു സംവിധാനമാണ്.

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    1. When you compare cost of elevated highway with conventional landed highway, you must include cost of land which is actually impossible to price as it is so scarce a resource

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  36. Why can't we think about elevated high speed rail project connecting all district in Kerala and have a single stop for each district. And should have a good road and public transportation to the railway stations. (Can think about providing rental car on each stop). This will reduce pollution, traffic, etc. In future it acb be extend to another states also..

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  37. വളരെ നല്ല കാര്യം,നടപ്പാവുമെങ്കില്‍.സമയം ഓരോ൪ത്തക്കും വളരെ വിലപെ്പട്ടത്,അതിനു വേണ്ടിയുള്ള സൗകര്യങ്ങള്‍ ചെയ്യ്തുകൊടുകേ്കണ്ടത് ഭരണക൪ത്താക്കളടെ ചുമതലകളാണ്. അതിനുതടസ്സം നില്‍ക്കന്ന ഭരണക൪ത്താക്കള്‍ പൗര൯മാരോട് ചെയ്യുന്ന പൊറുക്കാ൯ പാടില്ലാത്ത അനീതിയാണ് കുറ്റമാണ്. നമ്മള്‍ ചെയ്യുന്ന ഓരോ വികസന പ്രവ൪ത്തനവും വരും തലമുറയ്ക്ക് വേണ്ടിയാണെന്നുള്ള ഉത്തമബോദ്ധ്യംവേണം.
    നി൪ഭാഗ്യവശാല്‍ ഇതുവരെയും നടന്നു കൊണ്ടിരിയ്ക്കുന്നത് അങ്ങനെയല്ല.ഉദാഹരണം-റോഡില്‍ ഒരു പാലം വേണമെങ്കില്‍ ആദ്യം ഒരു സ്കൂട്ട൪ പോകുന്നപാലം നി൪മ്മിയ്ക്കും,1,2 വ൪ഷം കഴിഞ്ഞ് ഒരു കാ൪ പോകുന്നപാലം നി൪മ്മിയ്ക്കും.പിന്നെ 2,3 വ൪ഷം കഴിഞ്ഞ് ഒരു ബസ്സ് പോകുന്ന പാലം നി൪മ്മിയ്ക്കും.പിന്നെ 3,4 വ൪ഷം കഴിഞ്ഞ് രണ്ടു സെെഡിലേയ്ക്കും ഒരേസമയത്ത് പോകാനായി പുതിയ വീതികൂടിയ പാലം നി൪മ്മിയ്ക്കും,അതുകഴിഞ്ഞ് 4,5വ൪ഷം കഴിഞ്ഞ് 3വരി 4വരി റോഡിനായി പുതിയ പാലം നി൪മ്മിയ്ക്കും.വിവരവും വിദ്യാഭ്യാവുമുള്ള ആള്‍ക്കാ൪ ഉള്ള ഈ കേരളത്തില്‍ ഒരു മൂളയും ഇല്ലാതെ ഈ രീതിയില്‍ നടക്കുന്നല്ലോ. ഇങ്ങനെ രാജ്യത്തി൯െ്റ സമ്പത്ത് ഏതാണ്ട് ഒട്ടുമുക്കാലും കൊള്ളയടിച്ചും ധൂ൪ത്തടിച്ചും നഷ്ടപെ്പട്ടും.
    സ൪, ഇനിയെങ്കിലും ഒരു 25 ,30 വ൪ഷത്തേയ്ക് മു൯കൂട്ടി കണ്ടു വികസനപ്രവ൪ത്തനങ്ങള്‍ നടത്താ൯ ശ്രമിയ്കുക.ഭാവി തലമുറയ്ക് എന്നും ഓ൪ക്കാനും അഭിമാനിയ്ക്കാനും ഇനിയെങ്കിലും നമ്മള്‍ ചെയ്യ്തില്ലെങ്കില്‍ ഈ തലുറയെ പറഞ്ഞിട്ട് കാര്യമില്ല,സ്ഥാനം ചവറ്റുകുട്ടയില്‍.ഭരണത്തി൯െ്റ ഉന്നതസ്ഥാനത്തിരിയ്ക്കുന്ന സാറിനെപോലുള്ളവ൪ക്ക് ഈ സമൂഹത്തിനുവേണ്ടിയും ഭാവിതലുറയ്ക്കായും എന്നും ഓ൪ക്കാനും അഭിമാനിയ്ക്കാനുമുള്ള കാര്യങ്ങള്‍ ചെയ്യാ൯ കഴിയുമെന്ന് ഞാ൯ പ്രത്യാശിയ്ക്കുന്നു.

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  39. Very good , toll should be affordable

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  40. Sir, your idea is excellent and practical for a state like Kerala. The Govt has acquired 30.5 meters of land for widening of NH into 4 Lanes 40 years back and widening of NH was done only from Aroor to Cherthala, which is one of the accident free area in Kerala. Now for the same project after 40 years they are trying to acquire 45 meters when the land earlier acquired in left idle without any development.
    Development should be done with minimum damage to the community.
    Your idea " MINIMUM SPACE MAXIMUM UTILIZATION" is the best.

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  41. Dear Sir,

    Very good idea. We support you sir.

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  42. Its a good one if the cost can maintain 100 C per Km.....

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  43. ഹലോ സർ, താങ്കളുടെ ഈ ആശയം എന്നെ പോലുള്ളവരും മനസ്സിൽ കൊണ്ടു നടന്നിരുന്നു. എന്തുകൊണ്ടും കേരളത്തിനു വളരെ യോജിച്ച റോഡ്‌ വികസനം താങ്കൾ പറഞ്ഞത് തന്നെയാണ്. തലശ്ശേരിയിൽ നിന്നും തിരുവനന്തപുരം വരെ വർഷത്തിൽ 2 തവണ ഡ്രൈവ് ചെയ്യുന്ന വ്യെക്തി ആയതുകൊണ്ട് നിലവിലുള്ള ബുദ്ധിമുട്ടുകൾ വ്യെക്തമായി അറിയാം. എലിവേറ്റഡ് ഹൈവേ വന്നാൽ സമയ ലാഭത്തിനു പുറമേ പ്രധാനമായും ഇന്ധനം വളരെ ഏറെ ലാഭിക്കാം, ഹോട്ടൽ ഭക്ഷണം ഒഴിവാക്കാം. ഒരു ശരാശരി വാഹന (കാർ) ത്തിനു തലശ്ശേരിയിൽ നിന്നും തിരുവനന്തപുരം വരെ പകൽ യാത്രയ്ക്ക് ചിലവാകുന്ന സമയം 12 മണിക്കൂർ ആണ്. ഡീസൽ 2500 രൂപ, ഹോട്ടൽ ഭക്ഷണം 750 രൂപ . രാത്രി 10 മണിക്ക് പുറപ്പെട്ടാൽ ചിലവാകുന്ന സമയം 8 മണിക്കൂർ ആണ്. ഡീസൽ 1500 രൂപ, ഹോട്ടൽ ഭക്ഷണം100 രൂപ. ഫാമിലി ആയി രാത്രി യാത്ര ബുദ്ധിമുട്ട് ആയി തോന്നുന്നവർക്ക് പകൽ യാത്ര അല്ലാതെ വേറെ വഴിയില്ല. 5 പേര് അടങ്ങുന്ന ഫാമിലിയ്ക്ക് 3 നേരം ഭക്ഷണം ഹോട്ടലിൽ നിന്നും കഴിക്കേണ്ടി വരുമ്പോൾ ഏറ്റവും കുറഞ്ഞത്‌ 750 രൂപ വേണ്ടി വരും. എലിവേറ്റഡ് ഹൈവേയിൽ 500/750 രൂപ ടോൾ കൊടുത്താലും ഇപ്പോഴത്തെ പകൽ യാത്രയേക്കാൾ ലാഭകരം തന്നെ ആയിരിക്കും. താങ്കൾ ഈ സ്വപ്നം പ്രാവർത്തികമാക്കുക തന്നെ വേണം.

    ReplyDelete
  44. Very good idea. But in Kerala NO ROAD DISCIPLINE FOR DRIVE.I think first need to teach all the drivers how to use road. Oherwise we can't calculate the time to reach ernakulam and the people who using in current road side areas life have no guarantee . Now all most trafic jams creating by drivers. Another foreign countries have this kind of road but the road users know the rules and how to obey the rules....so don't compare that.We need to make very high penalty for a small mistake in particular highway and also it should effect his driving license point or quality. That means this speed track roads rules and fines are differ from normal road.(same like difference between carriage way rules and motorway rules in europe)

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  45. This is a great idea sir. Hope the Government takes note of this and sanctions it. I am from Varkala and at times NH 47 clogs and it would be very difficult to drive to Trivandrum.

    I know that you use FM Radio stations to converse with the public. I would also like to request you to use facebook as a tool to converse with the public. Facebook is more popular and more visible medium than Blogs. If you have doubts, consider Kozhikode Collector's use of Facebook as a case study.

    ReplyDelete
  46. This is a good idea sir. Please take it forward and implement automatic toll gates in it.
    Then the toll amount should be calculated based on the number of kms traveled in this elevated highway. So there can be toll gates at all entrance and exits in this road. Charge 1 rupee per km.

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  47. Great.. We need people like you who have vision to 'elevate' ourselves...to the modern world...,Of course There would be high resistance and opposition from different corners.. but... Where there is a will there is a way.. Like our Vizhinjam Port, this will also become a reality if there's a will. My whole-hearted support to this idea...

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  48. I support you Sir.This is a good idea sir. But the toll shouldn't be more than Rs 300. Particular period should be specified in the lease agreement with the contracting company for the collection of tolls otherwise it will become a long term robbery.

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  49. Excellent idea sir. But any form of development should be done taking into account the need for 40- 50 years. Else it will not be economical. Elevated highways should be double decker ones with provision of light metro /suburban rail line on top. Once an elevated highway (not double decker one) is completed we cant have a metro through that route. So its better to go for both in one go. It saves time and money. We have seen stiff opposition from public in acquiring land for straightening roads in NH where there are steep curves. Without eliminating these curves vehicles cant go beyond a certain speed limit. This can impact speed of vehicular movement on the elevated highways and metro (if double decker). Since elevated highways consume less land we can go for one without any curves with less resistance from public.
    But I dont think we can have express highways or high speed rail corridor in a state like Kerala with very high population density. In these circumstances elevated highway is the best option.

    ReplyDelete
  50. Sir, it's a pleasant surprise to me as I used to ponder over this idea but as a layman I never hoped it would be viable solution. In fact I used to think of another option , that is to treat existing roads as "Oneway" and creating a parallel road for return. This would reduce innumerable accidents, and land acquisition cost would be much less, in addition to massive job creation/ development across Kerala. If shopping centres/motels are created all along the roads, the expenditure could be offset to a considerable extent, and also it would be a good boost to tourism which will immensely benefit people.

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  51. Sir very good idea. I support 100%

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  52. Sir very good idea. I support 100%

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  53. Good Idea...Will it work with complete funding by Foreign banks like in the case of Kochi metro...Toll can be from 50/- to 500/- depending on the distance..A portion can be leased or sold for Business like wayside restaurents..Pay & Use Toilets etc.

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  54. Even with funding by commercial banks within...the viobility should be studied

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  55. Good one...main task is complete in time, otherwise cost will be double...we can pay a min of 2 to 3 rupees per km as toll and is beneficial for both user and provider.Need to implement most modern technology in pre cast assembly of concrete and effective use of manpower and resources by executing it under SEZ(Special economic zone)

    Arun ravi - 9895241111

    ReplyDelete
  56. Fantastic Idea, which should definitely work in our state. I am working in UAE,and the infrastructure here is voted No. 1 in world. Busy streets are their in UAE as well Eg.: Sheikh Zayed Road in Dubai is busiest highway in UAE, and they use Automated Toll system which will allow commuters to prepay the amount and use it based on the distance covered. They have reduced the major traffic problem in the road compared to 2005 -2007. In addition it is a regular income for Government. (Passing through one toll gate will reduce Dh 4 from the prepaid account, which is functioning based on the tag fixed in on the windshield). We must try this in a range of 50 Kms as a trial basis first and then extend it to more areas. Definitely this system should come in Kerala, so that peoples productive time will be saved by not stopping in toll gates. In addition people will get better infrastructure and which inturn will allow growth of our state.(Better infrastructure will definitely bring more business opportunities to Kerala)

    ReplyDelete
  57. If funds can be raised by the building partner...what about doing this as an express Highway starting from Trivandrum to kasarcode with provision to build a High Speed Railway track in the mode of Dubai-Abudhabi..one of the fastest in the world.Yes where there is a will there is a way...

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  58. If funds can be raised by the building partner...what about doing this as an express Highway starting from Trivandrum to kasarcode with provision to build a High Speed Railway track in the mode of Dubai-Abudhabi..one of the fastest in the world.Yes where there is a will there is a way...

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  59. very good idea..
    may be can form a company like CIAL with a low profit motivation in order to reduce the toll....

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  60. Very good idea sir .it will change kerala state.save all trees and merchants

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  61. Very good idea sir .it will change kerala state.save all trees and merchants

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  62. Hi sir, Thank for posting the idea for public opinion.
    I think Lots of people using GPS based navigation's to find routes and addresses, The people travelling below roads will always find difficulty to use that. Here in Bangalore under the metro bridges we are facing the same problem. But still im supporting the idea because thats the only solution left for Kerala ( or the dropped coastal highway plan.)

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  63. Sir, the idea is appreciable. Being from transportation engineering discipline, I have a few suggestions to offer. Contrary to beliefs, increasing the road width will not be a good solution given haphazard driving and parking behaviours; an elevated highway would be a better solution. A continuous elevated system would serve better than a series of fly-overs, as the latter only shifts problems from one place to another. But when ever an elevated system like fly-over is introduced, the utilisation of space underneath becomes un-controlled (Parking, encroachments, business activities). Access to the elevated roads (number and location) is to be considered. This necessitates grade-separated interchanges at major access points, which further points to developing roads joining the NH and land acquisition (increased cost). Local travellers' needs should be addressed, and for this purpose, maintenance of existing highway and ensuring good service roads is essential. Automated toll collection should replace the manual ones, as this could save money and delays and allows no room for corruption. Most of the vehicle showrooms have come up alongside national highways and by-passes. The heavily loaded trailers to these places have to be provided with an option, else they would be using the existing highways with local traffic crawling behind. Replacement of existing bridges (such as akkulam, mamom, ithikkara, neendakara, chavara, karaunagappally thottappally spillway etc.) and bypassing already congested areas as you had mentioned could be major stumbling blocks, but with a will, there should be a way. With the advanced segmental construction technology, fast track execution is possible. all the best. kindly visit http://betterroadsforkerala.blogspot.in/ to see some issues in city roads.

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  64. Very Good Idea, Sir. I should congratulate you coming up this type of Idea. It's a good idea in a way it can reduce the traffic blocks for longer distances in shorter time. Same way it can also be helpful both economically and strategically with this type of ideas.

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  65. Japan has three tier highways!
    We can construct in steel.
    We can also construct above railway tracks- ofcourse not the entire streatch, but near the urban area where land is scarce and train speed is low

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  66. Gud idea sir.....!!!!! ഇങ്ങനുള്ള new ideas താങ്കളെപ്പോലുള്ള ഉദ്യോഗസ്തരിൽ നിന്നും ഞങ്ങൾ ഇനിയും പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നു..........ഇന്നത്തെക്കാലത്ത് ഞങ്ങൾ ജനങ്ങളെ കഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട് ഭരിച്ച് മുടിക്കുന്ന രാഷ്ട്രീയ കുതിരക്കച്ചവടക്കാരിൽ നിന്നുo ഞങ്ങൾ കൂടുതൽ ഒന്നും പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നില്ല........ അല്ല പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചിട്ടും കാര്യമില്ല:....... ഒരായുസിന്റെ അധ്വാനത്തിൽ നിന്നുo ഉണ്ടാക്കിയ വീടുകളിൽ വിശ്രമജീവിതം നയിക്കുന്ന പലരുടേo സർവപ്രതീക്ഷകളം തകിടംമറിക്കുന്ന നിർദ്ദിഷ്ട land acquiring നെക്കാൾ എന്തുകൊണ്ടും ആശ്രയിക്കാവൂന്ന ഒരു ആശയമാണ് ഇത് .....as an educated and responsible citizen....I support u sir....we r looking forward...

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  67. Gud idea sir.....!!!!! ഇങ്ങനുള്ള new ideas താങ്കളെപ്പോലുള്ള ഉദ്യോഗസ്തരിൽ നിന്നും ഞങ്ങൾ ഇനിയും പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നു..........ഇന്നത്തെക്കാലത്ത് ഞങ്ങൾ ജനങ്ങളെ കഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട് ഭരിച്ച് മുടിക്കുന്ന രാഷ്ട്രീയ കുതിരക്കച്ചവടക്കാരിൽ നിന്നുo ഞങ്ങൾ കൂടുതൽ ഒന്നും പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്നില്ല........ അല്ല പ്രതീക്ഷിച്ചിട്ടും കാര്യമില്ല:....... ഒരായുസിന്റെ അധ്വാനത്തിൽ നിന്നുo ഉണ്ടാക്കിയ വീടുകളിൽ വിശ്രമജീവിതം നയിക്കുന്ന പലരുടേo സർവപ്രതീക്ഷകളം തകിടംമറിക്കുന്ന നിർദ്ദിഷ്ട land acquiring നെക്കാൾ എന്തുകൊണ്ടും ആശ്രയിക്കാവൂന്ന ഒരു ആശയമാണ് ഇത് .....as an educated and responsible citizen....I support u sir....we r looking forward...

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  68. The word "economical" may have different meanings in the short and long terms.
    An important aspect missing in the proposal and the comments that follow is that the expected lifespan of such RCC (reinforced cement concrete) structures is at best 50 years. So considering the 40-50 year recurring demolish and rebuild life cycle costs, whereas land acquisition is one time, it is going to be a huge burden on the state over time. RCC constructions in general give great short term gains and have huge long term lifecycle costs and is best avoided on such a basic requirement as a road. A metro train we may be able to live without, highways we cannot. And apart from lifecycle costs, the current costs are also in favour of ground based highways.
    The estimate of 100cr/km for elevated highway may also go up much more based on some figures online, making landed highway cost significantly lower.

    Land aquisition etc are resistances that ought to be overcome by government's efforts in the best interests of the state. If we do not do this now, it will be next to impossible in future as much more constructions take place along side the highway. In the stretch between Trivandrum and Chertala, even the available width is yet to be used. The proposed Trivandrum Kollam pilot stretch still has relatively free areas on both sides in most parts.

    So I hope a more practical model of using elevated highway sections only where absolutely necessary is undertaken. This is nothing but what we call flyovers, which NHAI already has in places such as Aluva and Chalakudi. Places such as Atringal, Kazhakoottam etc may benefit from such flyovers.

    Apart from above, we require completion of bypasses such as Kollam and Alapuzha as well as need to ensure bypasses remain as such and not just become new city centres such as the case of the Kochi "bypass". This must be ensured by restricting entrance/exits to such bypasses completely.

    The only true merit that stands for the elevated highway is that it allows easier crossings across it. Elevated pedestrian crossings across the highway in select hot spots could be built such as those in Singapore and our own railway stations. These are relatively low cost. For e.g. in front of Technopark and Infosys etc in Trivandrum NH bypass where there is significant pedestrian crossings.

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  69. Really Appreciate, observation which can be further moved as Project .

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  70. good suggestion, but 5000 crores, we are ready to give toll, i want to go cochin from haripad , from where or how i enter elevated highway, every 10kms makes entering gate to elevated highway from down road

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  71. Good idea....... sir please take it forward and implement...sir it will reduce accident and helpful.......please sir........make it fast

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  72. Dear Biju,

    I have read the article which you had mentioned within the newspaper on last 18th. I, sincerely appreciate you with all my heart on bringing in such a marvellous idea. It would be really gratefull once if you can make a small brain storming session where in we all can participate and discuss about the various ideas and suggestion regarding the Elevated Highway project.

    Best Regards,
    S.Haridas

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  73. Dear Biju,

    I have read the article which you had mentioned within the newspaper on last 18th. I, sincerely appreciate you with all my heart on bringing in such a marvellous idea. It would be really gratefull once if you can make a small brain storming session where in we all can participate and discuss about the various ideas and suggestion regarding the Elevated Highway project.

    Best Regards,
    S.Haridas

    ReplyDelete
  74. Excellent idea. Hope you will take necessary action to proceed this.

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  75. Excellent idea. Hope you will take necessary action to proceed this.

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  76. It is a good idea but would not be economically feasible in a long term.
    Such long elevated highways are not made anywhere in the world even in places where land is more expensive than Kerala. Typically a concrete bridge lifespan is considered 50 years, and it can become a complicated mess to maintain such a long "bridge" over a long period.

    Planning is one fundamental aspect being ignored in Kerala and all over India. Like in other countries, we should start doing road and town planning. The land use around highways and the direct access from highways to shops and houses should be controlled and start developing alternate roads to access houses/shops.

    We need to have planned development of land and infrastructure. We are paying the price for uncontrolled real estate / land development

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  77. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  78. Sir, To vacate thousands of people from side of highway is really impractical."Elevated Highway is the best way to solve all such problems. Please do forward with that beautiful idea.

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  79. Hello Sir, This is a very good idea. In a place like Kerala where the population density is so high, it is very difficult to acquire land and expand the high ways. Also as usual the compensation for such land acquisitions are very poor and it is very difficult for people who lose their houses/establishments to sustain. I strongly support this idea as I have seen this implemented successfully in Bangalore where I live. Here they have taken an approach of making the individual slices of the elevated path and joining on the pillars so that it helped in 2 ways.

    1. The existing road is not jammed so much.
    2. If one piece is damaged in future, they will be able to repair/replace that piece separately so that it is cost effective. Also they used to bring the separate pieces in the night time so that it was not
    affecting much of the life of the people here.

    Suggestions:
    1. If we go with this approach, need to see the most cost effective approach so that tolls are not so high.
    2. Also since the target is to reduce traffic, there should be max 2 entries/exits in every district (can be 1 also based on the studies).
    3. Ensure that the entry and exits are not given in junctions. Otherwise there would be jam in the highway entry/exit points.

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  80. Your recommendation of "Elevated Highway" is most welcome. The present problem of highway extinction can be easily solved.

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  81. Sir your opinion about elevated highway is the first good thinking from a top official like you in this subject. This is most suitable for Kerala circumstances. I whole - heartedly support you.

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  82. Sir, this is the most perfect solution for the construction of an express highway in our state due to the extraordinary population density, especially at the present highway sides.the advantages of an elevated express highway is very clear from your words which obviously shorten the disadvantages.

    An elevated highway drags the land acquisition demon to a negligible quantity, so that people living near the highway won't be worried about the question of future existence, they can continue their standard of living, still remembering and witnessing the plight of eviction and rehabilitation.

    Above all, many precious lives can be saved.

    Sir, we support you..we can make this suggestion a reality.

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  83. A great salute to you sir. avery good and practicable idea.an elevated highway or a 30 mtr is the only practicable way which can be introduced in a thickly populated state like kerala.accidents is not due to the width of the road instead it is due to the carelessness of people.45 metre is not anyway practicable in kerala .an all party meeting convened by vs achuthanadan former chief minister on 20.04.2010 has made a delegation to the prime minister has clearly stated that a 30 metre without bot is only practicable in kerala.the govt of kerala has declared on 15.05.2014 that the govt is going to develop nh in 30 metre.so in a small state like kerala an elevated highway or a 30 metre road or an express wayproposed by 15th parliament estimate committee is only the practicable way in kerala.so support you.we can try to make your suggestion a reality.

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  84. A great salute to you sir. avery good and practicable idea.an elevated highway or a 30 mtr is the only practicable way which can be introduced in a thickly populated state like kerala.accidents is not due to the width of the road instead it is due to the carelessness of people.45 metre is not anyway practicable in kerala .an all party meeting convened by vs achuthanadan former chief minister on 20.04.2010 has made a delegation to the prime minister has clearly stated that a 30 metre without bot is only practicable in kerala.the govt of kerala has declared on 15.05.2014 that the govt is going to develop nh in 30 metre.so in a small state like kerala an elevated highway or a 30 metre road or an express wayproposed by 15th parliament estimate committee is only the practicable way in kerala.so support you.we can try to make your suggestion a reality.

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  85. A great salute to you sir. To vacate thousands of people from side of highway is really impractical."Elevated Highway is the best way to solve all such problems.Your idea is wonderful,great and reasonable.

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  86. This comment has been removed by the author.

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  87. Should say
    Should begin the work fast

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  88. Good idea..happy its being studied by Govt of Kerala...a few suggestions..pls add an elevated.. Highway above the main
    Highway...or by its side if possible...for motorbikes n scooters..n a seperate trail..for hikers...cyclists.offcourse food plazas.cafes with scenery observation areas..
    Land to be purchased on either side (for hotels..business parks..etc)
    ... on the method where the govt develops n returns part of the enhanced value land to the
    owners...this will make land acquisition more acceptable..n reduce cost as the enhanced value can be factored in..

    Bring in good men like Cial's Kurien ...to lead
    N the project will be a success..

    Hope for the best.. We r tired of waiting!!!

    TT George..Mumbai

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    Replies
    1. Our present chief minister Sri.Pinarayi has decided to acquire land evacuating the lakhs of people to construct 45 meters B.O.T.high way. All political parties are having the same agenda. Even some of the victims on the highway side are in favour of the acquisition believing the false offerings from the political leaders.

      Delete
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