THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: A bad road has the power to change a government. Sensing the importance of having good roads, the government is all set to launch a massive road rebuilding exercise under State Road Improvement Project (SRIP). Unlike surface maintenance, the SRIP will undertake entire makeover of the existing roads. Talking to Express, PWD Minister V K Ebrahim Kunju said that around 1,000 km of State Highways and major district roads would be renovated under SRIP, estimated to cost around Rs. 5,100 crore. “The Kerala Road Fund Board is the executing agency of SRIP. The roads will be renovated based on the standards set by Indian Road ongress. The works include rebuilding of the existing roads, geometric correction, construction of footpaths and shoulders, introduction of pedestrian safety measures, street lights and signal junctions,” he said. A special purpose vehicle (SPV) has been formed for the implementation of the project with the government having 51 percent stake and KRFB 49 percent. “Since the SRIP aims at renovation of existing roads, land acquisition-related problems will be less. Bangalore-based Wilbur Smith is entrusted with the task of identifying the 1,000-km road which needs renovation. The roads will be selected based on various aspects such as volume of traffic, linkage to places of importance, tourism spots etc. Wilbur Smith will submit the report in three months,” the Minister said. The second phase will begin after identification of areas. Almost 2-3 years will require for land acquisition. The State Government has granted `200 crore for land acquisition. Around Rs.1000 crore will be allocated by the government. The rest of Rs. 4,000 crore will be raised by the KRFB through various loans, infrastructure bonds and PPP. The KRFB has initiated talks with Asian Development Bank (ADB) through the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways and Department of Economic Affairs. Ebrahim Kunju said that the project was expected to be completed in 5 years and would be in annuity mode.
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