The Hindu Business Line : 441-km roads linking tourism spots in Kerala need sprucing up: Natpac

THE National Transportation Planning and Research Centre (Natpac), an autonomous body under the State Government, has identified 441-km stretch of roads networking tourism centres in the State as being in need of urgent improvement.

The roads have been prioritised for improvement based on the prevailing condition, tourism potential and hierarchy of the connecting road, says Dr T. Elangovan, Director, Natpac, who piloted a study in this context. The cost estimates in each case have also been worked out, adding up to an aggregate Rs 190 crore in all.

The study necessitated an assessment of the present condition of the roads and the tourist potential of each spot. The type of improvements required for each road in terms of resurfacing, geometric improvements, strengthening and widening were also catalogued.

The improvement envisaged mainly relate to upgradation of the roads to a higher lane width with overlay for the existing pavement, Dr Elangovan said.

Giving a district-wise break-up of the estimates, he said the National Highway Bypass to Kovalam, the Veli-Akkulam Lakefront, the Veli Tourism Village, the Sankumughom and Varkala beaches are among those covered in Thiruvananthapuram district.

In Kollam, road links to five important tourist centres have been identified. These include the Ashramom Backwaters, the Thirumullavarom Beach and the Palaruvi Waterfalls.

The Konni Elephant Training Centre is among the five popular destinations covered in Pathanamthitta district. In Alappuzha, the access roads to the Pathiramanal Bird Sanctuary, the beach, boat jetty and the Krishnapuram Palace are among those covered.

In Kottayam, the growingly popular trekking centre of Ilaveezaha Poonchira is among the three main tourist posts covered. At least seven destinations are expected to benefit in Idukki district. They include the Thekkadi Wildlife Sanctuary and Eravikulam National Park.

In Ernakulam, the number of destinations covered is nine, including the Thattekad Bird Sanctuary, the Kodanad Elephant Training Centre and the Cherai Beach. Peechi dam is among the six tourist spots covered in Thrissur. Three centres have been covered in Palakkad.

In the north, six roads connecting such well-known destinations in Kozhikode as the Beypore Port and the Kappad Beach will be improved under the scheme. Three separate stretches have been identified in neighbouring Malappuram.

The scenic upper reaches of Wayanad district have 12 roads covered under the scheme. Kannur district has six roads and Kasaragode three qualifying for improvement under the programme.

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441-km roads linking tourism spots in Kerala need sprucing up: Natpac