NH-544 Traffic Woes: Collector Demands NHAI Update on Delayed Projects

Fast Summary

• Directive to NHAI: District Collector Arjun pandyan has ordered the National Highways Authority of india (NHAI) to expedite completion of the ongoing construction work on National Highway (NH) 544 and submit a detailed progress report.
• Reason for Directive: The move is aimed at addressing frequent traffic congestion along NH 544 and follows earlier instructions from Kerala High Court.
• inspection Team Formation: A multi-departmental team has been created, including officials from NATPAC, Public Works Department’s NH engineering wing, police, and Motor Vehicles department. Their task is to evaluate unresolved issues in road infrastructure along the stretch.
• Issues Identified for Inspection:

– Narrow entry points from service roads to the highway.- Inadequate stormwater drainage systems.
– Potholes on service roads.
– Poor-quality patchwork repair on damaged stretches.- Absence of safety barricades at accident-prone locations and construction sites.

• Court Actions: kerala High Court previously asked NHAI to report incomplete works based on an earlier Collector submission.
• Underpass Delay Highlighted: Interim Traffic Management Committee’s latest report identified delays in constructing a key underpass along the corridor.

Indian Opinion Analysis

The intervention by District Collector Arjun Pandyan highlights growing concerns over infrastructural inefficiencies impacting public mobility and safety along NH 544-a critical transportation corridor in Kerala. Given that traffic congestion has been persistent despite previous directives from authorities, this extensive inspection involving multiple departments seems essential for identifying systemic failures.The involvement of Kerala High Court adds judicial oversight,indicating that resolving these issues is not only about efficiency but also legal compliance. issues such as inadequate drainage systems and poor patch repairs point toward significant gaps in planning or execution during road maintenance operations.

Delays like those observed in underpass construction underline potential timelines overruns that can amplify inconvenience for commuters while affecting long-term regional connectivity goals. This matter transcends simple road management-it reveals broader implications related to governance accountability within infrastructure projects handled by agencies like NHAI.

Swift resolution will likely improve commuter experiences while restoring confidence in government-led interventions within public infrastructure progress projects across India.

Read more at source Link.