Kundara IT Park in Kollam will be located in 42 acres of land near the scenic and beautiful Ashtamudi Lake branch called Kanjirode Kayal. It will have a built-up space of 1.76 lakh sq.ft. This branch of the Ahtamudi lake is famous for the tasty carp fish species.

The park will function as a spoke under the Trivandrum Technopark.
Government is investing between Rs.150-200 crore for the park initially.

Recently Kerala chief minister V.S Achuthanandan laid the foundation stone for the this tech park at Kundara which is a new SEZ space .

It is expected that the Information Technology Park will create up to 10,000 job opportunities in the next three to five years.

The area will be a hot spot for IT and Tourism as it is relatively less crowded now. This will see the emergence of Kundara, the industrial capital of Kollam.

When we look back the last 5 years from a significant project completion perspective, what Kollam actually achieved or gained?

It is quite disappointing that Kollam, the neighbour of the capital city is not able to progress enough especially regaring the proposed projects. We have seen that the cities that are nearby to the capital cities of the other states are fast developing as major cities. Hosur (in Tamil Nadu) is fast developing as a major city because of its proximity to Bangalore. Same with Thane, Gurugaon and Noida as well.

We have so many projects that are half way or delayed or in the cold storage. The lack of political will and complacency of the concerned politicians are the prime reasons for this issue.

We know that Kollam Port development is not heard now. Not a single ship came for export or import. Cashew Board may go to another state.
Delay in the work progress of Kollam - Punalur braud gauge completion. Delay of work start in case of SP office flyover. The non-starter projects are more than this.

Most of the industries and companies in the Kundara industrial regions are still locked as authorities are not taking any initaitives to open it.

All these will decide as a clear verdict in the coming General Elections. We have wasted enough time, we cannot waste anymore.

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Apichayans Cliff Resort at Aryankavu, Kollam
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We know that Kollam Port development is not heard now. Not a single ship came for export or import.

Yaar, I believe the Kollam port is inevitable and it will become a reality. Kollam's development into a major city hinges on the port's development.

Here are some of the snaps of the dredger ship that called at the Kollam Port some time back:

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Picture Coutesty:Malayalam Padam

Yaar, I believe the Kollam port is inevitable and it will become a reality. Kollam's development into a major city hinges on the port's development.

Here are some of the snaps of the dredger ship that called at the Kollam Port some time back:



Great snaps, yaar. Tourist cruisers should visit Kollam as it is a great destination of backwater tourism. Hope a day will come when Thankaserri -Vaddy area will be flocked by big liners.

Kollam - Punalur braud gauge conversion work progress:

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The 1 KM long platform at Kollam Junction - Work progress at the final stage:

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The Foot overbridge that connects the two important city roads:

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Picture Courtesy - Anil BPS

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Kollam Pooram is one of the most colourful and traditional festivals of Kerala. No other festivals in Kerala can match the enthusisam, color and togetherness except Thrissur Pooram. Infact Kollam Pooram is almost catching up with Trissur Pooram year by year in all respects. It attracts large number of people from all parts of the State. The Pooram, organised in connection with the annual festival of the Aashramam Sri Krishnaswamy Temple, will be held at the gigantic Aashramam Maidan in the month of April. Kollam Pooram has now assumed the status of a national festival attracting tourists in large numbers.

Aashramam Sri Krishnaswamy Temple
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For the `kudamattom', 30 tuskers split into two groups of 15 each representing the Thamarakulam Sri Mahaganapathy Temple team and the Puthiyakavu Bhagawathy Temple team. The `kudamattom' was held to the beats of a traditional `melam'. The pooram is followed by a spectacular show of fireworks.

This year's Kollam Pooram is on April 15th.

The historic Aashramam Maidan was the venue of the recently celebrated Maha Shivrathri by Sri Sri Ravi Sankarji's Art of Living, Bangalore Aashram. Some snaps of that historic event:

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The footpath surrounding the gigantic Aashramam maidan:

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A beautiful small cruiser at the Adventure Park Water Terminal

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Kollam Adventure Park

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The central government has allocated funds for the amusement projects at the Aashramam Children's park inside the Ashramam Tourist Village. The central aid is apart from the state aid. The projects will come up at an area of 4 acres marked inside the Ashramam Residency Complex in the tourist village.

The projects have been finalised and the money has been earmarked. The projects that are:

1. New Gardens and Ponds inside Children's Traffic Park - 162.76 lakhs
2. Amusement Train (Diesel) - 10.35 lakhs
3. Merry Go Round - 9.39 lakhs
4. Dahsing Car - 21 lakhs
5. Beautiful Entrance and Compound Wall (Kerala style Architecture) - 23.65 lakhs
6. Six Mandaps at the 6 locations of the park (Kerala style Architecture) - 18.16 lakhs
7. Rest Rooms and Commercial complex building - 18.44 lakhs
8. Open Air Auditorium - 14.63 lakhs
9. Toilet block - 5.69 lakhs
10. Sign boards inside and outside park - 2.5 lakhs
11. Purchase of Playing tools,toys and more beautification of park - 94 lakhs
12. Traffic islands - The rest of the amount

Some snaps of the Ashramam Tourist Village:

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then how abt the Festivals in Sabarimala, Padmanabha Swami Temple and Attukal (Guinness Book Record)?

then how abt the Festivals in Sabarimala, Padmanabha Swami Temple and Attukal (Guinness Book Record)?

Yaar, I have mentioned about the festive celebrations as part of the Temple ritual. In the case of Sabarimala, it is more of spiritual ritual and darshan. Attukal Pongala is the offering by the devotees. Both are records in the number of participation.

But Thrissur Pooram and Kollam Pooram are spectacles as part of the festivities apart from the traditional temple rituals. I meant only that.

It is more of a celebration, color, fireworks and artistic display.

By the way, what is the progress of the SNDP Head Office (10 storeyed) at College Junction? I have seen the site location near to the SNV Sadan.

Also, is there any progress regarding SNDP's Medical College within the city?


Yaar, they are allocating budget amounts each year regarding the Head Office at Kollam. The work has not started yet.

Regarding the Medical College at Kollam, there were some hindrances earlier that the college and hospital should be at the same complex and a minimum requirement of 25 acres. It was merely impossible to get the land inside the city limits especially when the biggest hospital (SIMS) owned by the SNDP did not have the land required.

Now, there are relaxation of the AICTE rules especially for city based Medical College Hospitals.

So, there is a proposal to make Sankar's Institute of Medical Science (SIMS) as the Medical College Hospital and the SN colleges (Both Men and Women) as the Medical College. The distance between the hospital and the 2 colleges is just 2 KM.

The much awaited opening of the closed Aryankavu - Kottavasal road will happen in 10 days. This will ease the cargo traffic between Kerala and Tamil Nadu to normal as the road has been closed for the last 5 months.

The road was closed for the repair of the S- curve at Kottavasal by Tamil Nadu and for the maintenance of the Tenmala - Kottavasal stretch of the Kollam - Tirumangalam National Highway by Kerala.

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The sitting MP P Rajendran of CPM says

1. Will set up Cashew Museum at Kollam
2. The Kollam Port will start functioning soon with the approval of Custom's authority
3. Initiated the handing over of the Vellayittambalam - Cutchery - Chinnakkada road to National Highway Authority
4. SP office flyover construction to start soon
5. Land for Kendriya Vidyalaya to be handed over.
6. 164 crore Growth Pole project initiated for cashew and tourism sector
7. ESI Medical College at Kollam construction started.
8. Kollam Bypass 3rd and 4th phase construction MOU signed
9. The bypass work will be expedited as part of Cherthala - Trivandrum NH-47 four-laning
10. Has setup ESI and PF offices at Kollam
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The UDF candidate N Peethambara Kuruppu says:

1. A global standard Techno City at Kollam
2. Develop Kollam as a centre of higher education
3. More thrust to Tourism, Flyovers, coir and fisheries
4. Tap Backwater and Beach Tourism potential
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The NDA candidate Vykkal Madhu says:

Most of the developments that the LDF claims happend at the time of NDA rule at the centre. He will model O Rajagopal's style of implementing development in the district if he is elected.
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Yaar, I have mentioned about the festive celebrations as part of the Temple ritual. In the case of Sabarimala, it is more of spiritual ritual and darshan. Attukal Pongala is the offering by the devotees. Both are records in the number of participation.

But Thrissur Pooram and Kollam Pooram are spectacles as part of the festivities apart from the traditional temple rituals. I meant only that.

It is more of a celebration, color, fireworks and artistic display.

:okay:

Kollam Pooram is one of the most colourful and traditional festivals of Kerala. No other festivals in Kerala can match the enthusisam, color and togetherness except Thrissur Pooram. Infact Kollam Pooram is almost catching up with Trissur Pooram year by year in all respects. It attracts large number of people from all parts of the State. The Pooram, organised in connection with the annual festival of the Aashramam Sri Krishnaswamy Temple, will be held at the gigantic Aashramam Maidan in the month of April. Kollam Pooram has now assumed the status of a national festival attracting tourists in large numbers.

This year's Kollam Pooram is on April 15th.

Nice pictures, Reghu. Kollam Pooram is definitely the most celebrated festival in Kollam. Moreover, there is a Pooram at Tirumullavaram temple called Kadal Pooram. I will try to post some of the Kadal Pooram snaps shortly.

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The Thirumullavaram Sree Mahavishnu Temple is famous for the Karkida vavu beli. It is also famous for the Kadal Pooram which is part of the annual temple festival. It is the second biggest pooram in Kollam district after Kollam Pooram. The temple pond associated with Sree Mahavishnu temple is located very close to the Arabian sea. Though, it is so close to the sea (just 25 to 30 meteres separates the two water bodies), the water is absolutely pure and crystal. The temple and the beach is hardly 6 KMs from the heart of the city (Chinnakkada).

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A beutiful backwater snap from city suburbs

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I'm hearing about the Kadal pooram for the 1st time. Must be Kollam special.
Really, it'll be a treat for the eyes of the tourists visiting the beautiful Thirumullavaram beach.
Thanx for the pics EQ.

Steps should be taken to set up the following facilites @ Kollam port for its developmet:

1.A container yard
2.Large ware house
3.Modern cargo handling equipments like reach stackers, forklifts.
4.Direct rail link to the national rail network, which is very important for the growth of a port.

All these can lead to the development of Kollam port and thus help in regaining Kollam's lost glory.:cheers:

Steps should be taken to set up the following facilites @ Kollam port for its developmet:

1.A container yard
2.Large ware house
3.Modern cargo handling equipments like reach stackers, forklifts.
4.Direct rail link to the national rail network, which is very important for the growth of a port.

All these can lead to the development of Kollam port and thus help in regaining Kollam's lost glory.:cheers:

Sai, there is enough space and land for the requirement of a cargo port. Warehouses are there, but they have to be elevated to modern standard. Namesake warehouses will not do good. The lack of Cranes, reach stackers, forklifts are hampering the progress of the port. The cargo agencies have already mentioned, it is not possible to start operation without the good cranes and other related amenities.

The most important junction railway station in south Kerala Kollam Junction is just 1 Km from the port and the National Waterway - 3 is just 500 meters away from the port site. You will not get all these basic amenities in other ports. Such immense potential at the location and total negligence from the authority!

Everything falls into the deaf ears of the politicians and concerned ministers. They always say that the port will function after the approval of the customs authority. How many times the custom's authority have to give the approval?

It is all red tapism (maybe a deliberate attempt to destroy the development of this important port by some vested interests) and lack of will by the concerned people.

The main development issue regarding Kollam in the coming Lok Sabha and the following Assembly elections will be the Kollam Cargo Port. Kollam's overall development hinges on the Port development as it basically a traditional industrial hub. You cannot delay the development of such a port located in traditional industrial city where cashew, coir, minerals and timber are exported and imported from far away places when the basic amenities are all here.

This is sheer negligence and ridiculous attitude by the concerned authorities. The verdict will be the mandate of this election.

Sai, I congratulate you for raking up the Kollam Port issue again at the brink of the coming election. I think the forummers should float accross their ideas and views.

I'm hearing about the Kadal pooram for the 1st time. Must be Kollam special.
Really, it'll be a treat for the eyes of the tourists visiting the beautiful Thirumullavaram beach.
Thanx for the pics EQ.

I believe the Kadal Pooram is unique to Kollam. The Kadal Pooram that is celebrated with the Thirumullavaram Sree Mahavishnu Temple festival falls on the culminating day.

The Kadal Pooram is maily a display of fireworks with the Tirumullavaram Beach at the back drop. At the twilight after the sun set, the fireworks presents an absolute splendor at the sky and the sea. Quite gorgious and a feast for the eyes, indeed!

This is absolutely unique to Kollam and to the beautiful Tirumullavaram beach village.

A good news for Tirumullavaram beach. The Fern Valley Group has announced a five star beach resort at Thirumullavaram considering its immense tourism potential. This is their second project in Kollam, the other is the recently proclaimed Five start luxury villas and apartment project at the Ashtamudi Lake side at Thrikkadavoor.

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Great view from the top. I think this is the Shakthikulangara - Kureepuzha stretch of the Ashtamudi lake branch. You know one thing. There are small islands at this part of the Ashtamudi lake upto Chavara South side of the Ashtamudi lake. I have visited the beautiful islands which are small in size. Some islands have two three houses with families settled there for years. There are relatively big islands comprising of 25 houses as well. Water supply and telephone cables are passing through under water way. The people are mainly indulged in fishing and they commute to the main land through fishing boats, canoes and speed boats. I have enjoyed my trip to these beautiful islands especially the delicious fishes and crabs. You can see crabs entering the houses.

My mouth still waters when I think about that magnificient journey. Kollam backwaters are truly great. We have to protect this great lake with utmost care.

The snaps were taken a year back:

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The completion of the much important Aashramam link raod is getting delayed for no reasons. The link road is seen as an arterial road that can considerably ease traffic congestion at Chinnakada the busiest junction in Kollam city.

The link road is a 535-meter-long causeway through the Ashtamudi Lake. It will become a bypass in the city that connects the Taluk Cuthchery junction with Asramam, avoiding Chinnakada.

The UDF district chairman Sooranad Rajashekharan promised that the Kollam Cashew Board will become a reality within 6 months if UDF candidate Peethambara Kuruppu wins at Kollam.


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The defence minister A K Antony promised that if the congress candidate from Kollam Lok Sabha constituency, Mr. Peethambara Kurup wins the coming General Election, the Kollam Bypass will be completed within a short period of time. He blamed the LDF for not taking any initiative to complete the project.

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The Kollam Lok Sabha UDF candidate N. Peethambara Kuruppu promised that he will make the Cashew Board a reality for Kollam, if he wins.

He also reiterated that Kollam Port development and the Kollam Bypass completion will be prime development initiatives that will be taken into account first.

The Kollam - Punalur broad gauge conversion is getting choked at the Kottarakkara stretch. The entire Kollam - Punalur 45 Km stretch was supposed to be opened for traffic by March 31st 2009. The work progress is very slow in the past three months especially at the Kottarakkara stretch

The railways could acquire five acres of land for the Kottarakara yard only on February 28.

Railways have completed Mylom over-bridge only recently.

There are a lot of land works to be done other than the track laying.

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Courtesy - The Hindu

The major focus will be the full fledged functioning of Punalur Paper mill.
Rail developments especially overbridges at Kottarakkara and Punalur stretch.
Punalur - Schencottah braud gauge conversion.
Kayankulam - Adoor - Auvaneeshwaram (Kollam district) railway line.

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The delayed Kottarakkara Muslim Street contructon work as part of the Kollam - Punalur braud gauge conversion work resumed.

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^^

Beautiful!

A beautiful backwater resort at the banks of Ashtamudi lake at Vellimon

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Awesome!

Reghu bhai, since there's a separate thread for Kollam tourism,all the above posted pics of resorts, temples, amritanandamyi ashramam etc. better fit in that thread than this project thread.
:cheers:

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College of Engineering at Thrikkannamangal, Kottarakkara

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College of Engineering, Karunagappally

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More facilities including dormitory and platforms for tents. New boats includiung speed boats to be bought for water sports. The Music fountain is renovated.

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Twins Building at Residency Road, Kollam

The Raymond Shop and QRS reside here:

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Muthoot Chambers,Vadayattukotta, Kollam

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Hi Reghu, is that Fatima college on the left of top picture?

Hi Reghu, is that Fatima college on the left of top picture?

Yes, yaar. The platform number - 3 will be extended near to the front side of Fathima Matha National College to accomodate the trains from Punalur side that is going to the Trivandrum side. With this extension, PF - 3 will have a total length of more than 1 KM. Only Kharagpur railway station has platform more than 1 KM in length. Lets wait and see whether Kollam can beat the world record in this regard.

Yes, yaar. The platform number - 3 will be extended near to the front side of Fathima Matha National College to accomodate the trains from Punalur side that is going to the Trivandrum side. With this extension, PF - 3 will have a total length of more than 1 KM. Only Kharagpur railway station has platform more than 1 KM in length. Lets wait and see whether Kollam can beat the world record in this regard.

I studied there for few years (many many years ago)and so the nostalgia.
The front of the college looks the same .. not much changes over the years.

BTW, you are doing a wonderful job here. Keep it up Reghu.

I studied there for few years (many many years ago)and so the nostalgia.
The front of the college looks the same .. not much changes over the years.

BTW, you are doing a wonderful job here. Keep it up Reghu.

Thank you, Yaar. The road in front of Fathima College is going to be widened shortly. Railways will give some land in this regard.

Hope you will also be an active forummer in this thread in the coming days.

I wish you and all the forummers a happy Vishu.

He points out his achievements as:


Kollam became the world cashew capital
Kollam Port received 12 crores from Ministry of commerce because of Cashew export excellence
Kendriya Vidyalaya in Kollam
Approval for Flyover at SP office Junction.The foundation stone is already laid
Kollam Bypass completion will be expedited as part of NH-47 development
Kollam Port is re-established as a cargo Port. 164 crores will be spent for immedeate development
ESI Medical College at Paripally. 32 acres of land earmarked for this.
ESI super specialty hospital at Ashramam in the city.

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He promises the following if he is elected from Kollam:

IT hub at Kollam
Sainik School
Bring Kollam Cashew industry to global attention. More research facilities for the industry
More studies to tap the tourism potential of Ashtamudi and Arabian sea banks
More focus and development for Kollam Cargo Port
Cold storage facilities at Neendakara for marine products
District hospital to be given a facelift by giving Medical College status
Kollam TS canal will be cleaned
Kollam Flyover and Bypass will be completed
Commercialization of coir industry with major focus at Chavara, Koivila and Thevalakkara
Adivasi rehabilitation centres at Punalur and Achen Kovil

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Beautiful Ashtamudi Lake with the Vaidya Apartments and Vaidya Arcade at the back ground:

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The Aashramam Link road side:

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Chinnakkada from the Overbridge (Will be closed shortly for the under pass construction):

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Nice snaps Rehgubhai. Is the brown building in the last pic Hotel nany's?

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Nice snaps Rehgubhai. Btw, is the brown building in the last pic Hotel nany's?

Yes yaar, it is indeed Hotel Nani. It is owned by Achani Ravi, the famous cashew businessman from Kollam. This multi-storied 3-star hotel is having traditional Kerala architecure. See the side view of the hotel in the following snap:

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View from a house boat:

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The Archana - Aradhana Junction road:

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The city road near Kollam SN College:

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The Main Road, Chinnakkada:

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Opposite to Bank Of Baroda:

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Chinnkkada Junction:

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KOLLAM: A meeting of the District Panchayat committee here on Saturday decided to renovate and modernise the pay wards of the District Hospital and the Government Victoria Hospital for Women and Children. The pay wards are lying idle due to lack of maintenance. The Public Works Department will inspect the buildings housing the pay wards and suggest a scheme for modernisation. The meeting also decided to take steps top repair the power laundry of the Victoria Hospital.

As per the study of Madras IIT, an additional 12th break water of 50 meters in length towards sea is being constructed at the Paravur estuary as part of the Kollam - Punalur coastal road renovation. This will be 12th brakwater and will be completed within a month. With the completion of Kollam - Paravur coastal road, the distance between Kollam and Paravur will come down to a mere 12 KMs compared to the 23 Kms round about raod at present. It takes more than an hour to reach Paravur from Kollam during the peak hours at present. When the road is completed, it may take only 10 to 12 minutes even during peak hours.

This road is going to be a major boost for beach as well as the backwater tourism of Kollam as most of the resort and hotels are concentrated in this sector.

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Hi Raghu,.. thank you so much for posting all these pics here n also creating another one,... i have noticed in one of ur pics (kollam the gate way of back water tourism) a large building being constructed... is it the palm land apartments project,.. or some other building.

Hi Raghu,.. thank you so much for posting all these pics here n also creating another one,... i have noticed in one of ur pics (kollam the gate way of back water tourism) a large building being constructed... is it the palm land apartments project,.. or some other building.

Garnet, not exactly sure about that. Most probably it may be the Palm Land Apartment Project 'Palace Avenue' as the location is exactly the same as they have mentioned. The project is supposed to be over by this year. This snap was taken some time back.

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As per the study of Madras IIT, an additional 12th break water of 50 meters in length towards sea is

This road is going to be a major boost for beach as well as the backwater tourism of Kollam as most of the resort and hotels are concentrated in this sector.

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Nice. There is already a coastal road connecting paravoor to varkala. So kollam-varkala will be only a 30-35 minute drive along the coast!!

Nice. There is already a coastal road connecting paravoor to varkala. So kollam-varkala will be only a 30-35 minute drive along the coast!!

True yaar. Kollam - Varkala travel time will come down to less than half an hour. The train journey is less than half an hour, already. The Kollam - Varkala stretch will see a mamoth change as far as tourism is concerned as most of the beach and village type backwater tourism potential is at this stretch.

Already big shots in the tourism industry have eyed the serene Paravoor, Ashtamudi and Kappil backwaters for big projects.

Mahindra Holidays and Resorts India, part of the Mahindra Group, is planning a major expansion in Kerala, which includes developing a new resort in the Wayanad district and increasing its number of home stays to 150 by end 2009, says a top official. Declining to reveal the Wayanad resort project’s investment details, Ramesh Ramnathan, Managing Director, Mahindra Holidays, tells IANS that the project was still on the drawing board.

The company will also develop 50 cottages at its backwater retreat resort in Kollam, which was taken over from a private party 18 months ago. “Right now, the Kollam property has 23 cottages and we plan to invest Rs 30 Crore as part of our expansion, which will be complete later this year,” says Ramnathan.

In October 2008, Mahindra Holidays took over another 34 cottage property from the Taj group in Thekkady and renamed it, Tusker Trail. Presently, the company's total investment in Kerala's tourism sector stands around Rs 150 Crore.

The company has also entered into a tie-up with the Kerala Tourism Department to promote home stays. “By end 2009, the total number of home stays will be 150. We will charge a nominal fee for these home stays,” comments Ramnathan.

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This is not the building of Amritapuri campus of Amrita. This is the building of their Ettimadai (Coimbatore - HQs of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeedham University) campus.

You can take my words for granted as I am a student of Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri Campus. The main building is coming up beautifully, Kerala architecture integrated into the design. I'll post the snaps in this thread once the construction gets over.

:cheers:

This is not the building of Amritapuri campus of Amrita. This is the building of their Ettimadai (Coimbatore - HQs of Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeedham University).

You can take my words for granted as I am a student of Amrita School of Engineering, Amritapuri Campus. The main building is coming up well, integrated with Kerala architecture. I'll post the snaps in this thread once the construction gets over.

:cheers:

Thank you, Sai for the correction. I got this snap from the Amritha Institute website where the location mentioned was Vallickavu, Kollam. Please upload the Vallickavu campus snaps. I will remove the wrong snap.

Concept Hospitality Limited (CHL) is in the process of signing a branding agreement with Kamat Hotels India Limited (KHIL) and Pune-based real estate company, Oxford Properties. Under this agreement, the hotel management firm will have access to KHIL's ‘Orchid Hotels’ brand and Oxford Properties’ ‘O Hotels’ brand. The company will thus, be able to develop the brands across India.

The company is already managing hotels under these brands: The Orchid, New Delhi; The Beach Orchid, Kollam and Cabbana Orchid, Jalandhar and the O Hotel Pune. The agreement will help the brand’s growth across the country.

CHL also operates properties under the Seasons in Pune and Aundh and the Wall Street Hotel brand in Jaipur; it aims to develop these brands as well. CHL will expand the Orchid brand to Ahmedabad and Kolkata. The company has taken over the two properties (at these locations) under management contract. It will also manage Oxford Properties’ second hotel under development in Goa.

Here are some of the reputed institutions under the Amrita Vishwa Vidyapeetham Univeristy. The following institutions are located near to the beautiful Amrithapuri Aashram at Vallickavu, Kollam.

Amritha School of Arts and Science

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Amritha School of Biotechnology

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Amritha School of Engineering

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Amritha School of Ayurveda

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Major jewellery companies from Kerala are going for an expansion drive in South India with the region having withstood the twin impact of surging prices of the yellow metal and slowdown in the economy better than other parts of the country.

Malabar Gold is also gearing up to open around nine outlets in the next one year. Apart from various places in Kerala including Kottayam, Alappuzha, Kollam and Thiruvananthapuram, the company has also identified Mysore for starting new outlets, said Mr Abdul Jaleel, regional director of the company.

Courtesy - The Economic Times

Friends Jana Sevan Kendram acts as an umbrella where you can perform transactions of the following offices:

Electricity Board
Water Authority
Kollam Corporation
Civil Supplies Department
Revenue Department
Motor Vehicle Department
Kerala University
BSNL

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Need for more pressure from the Kollam MPs to expedite the delayed Kollam - Schencotta BG conversion. 10 percent of the work is still pending. Final works regarding platforms, Track linking, Mailom bridge construction is getting delayed.

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The demolition of offices at the Aashramam side, side wall construction and cockunut piling are major works of the 2nd phase.

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Kollam to become the most important base of Mainline Electrical Multiple Unit (MEMU) for the suburban rail service in South Kerala.

The higher railway official has ordered to set up extensive facilities at Kollam Junction Railway station in this regard. With this Kollam will become the prime center of MEMU in South Kerala.

The Chennai Electrical section Deputy Chief Engineer has ordered to set up more facilities apart from the ongoing 7.5 crore MEMU work that started in September 2008.

Apart from the MeMU workshop, a Service Building, Pit Wheel Laith for wheel repair are to come up shortly.

The sketch for the new development program will be sent from the Chennai head quarters shortly. More fund will be allocated based on the program and the construction work will be charted out depending on that.

2 crores of ground works has already been completed out of the 7.5 crores alloted. The work shop is coming up at the back side of the Kollam Railway Reservation office. It has 210 metres length and 14 metres width.

The proposal is to operate MEMU service to Alleppy, Kottayam and Trivandrum in the begining.

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The MEMU work shop is coming up at this location (an old Snap as the work has already started). The building seen is the Reservation centre.

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The site where the MEMU related work is going on:

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More platforms and tracks at Kollam Junction to come up exclusively for MEMU in future:

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The MEMU work shop is coming up at this location (an old Snap as the work has already started) The building seen is the Reservation centre.

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]

Reghu, is that bridge on the right a new structure? I haven't seen that before.

Reghu, is that bridge on the right a new structure? I haven't seen that before.

Yes, it is the new overbridge connecting Platform 3, 4, 5, 6, 7 and 8. It was inaugrated 1.5 years back. A new overbridge may come up near to the Fathima College end as Platform - 3 is extended to more than 1 KM in length as part of Kollam - Punalur BG conversion. Moreover, the MEMU platforms will come up at that side.

Two more new railway station buildings of Braud Gauge status is coming up at Karicode and Chandanthope within the city (exiting one's are MG one's). Besides, there will be a station at SN College junction exclusively for MEMU just like the proposed one at Chackai and Karamana in Trivandrum. With that, the 3 famous colleges in Kollam - SN college, TKM college and Fathima College - all will have railway station stops hardlly a stone's throw away from their door steps. This is unique to any Kerala city.

Truely, Kollam Junction is going to become the biggest junction in Kerala shortly.

The Kollam Junction Station

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The old Kollam station building - constructed 105 years ago:

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Vikrant at Kollam Junction

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The old Traveling Steam Crane called Vikrant stabled at Kollam Junction. This is part of a large accident relief group of vehicles

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The Kollam SP office junction Flyover work resumes. The piling started yesterday. The flyover will have a total width of 12 metres.

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P Rajendran MP says the Ochira - Paripally NH-47 will definitely be a 4 -laner with 45 metres width.

As per the National Highway Authority the width of NH is 60 metres, but it is not feasible for the Kerala scenario.

But the width will not come down from the proposed 45 metres. The Kollam bypass will be completed as part of the NH-47 four laning. Already 45 metres is available in the bypass stretch.

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Dricks to sketch the Kochupilamoodu Bridge near Kollam beach. The bridge will come up at the existing bridge location.

The work is expected to start in 4 months. The existing narrow bridge is a bottleneck at the busy beach road.

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Picture Courtesy: Nithin David

Friends Jana Sevan Kendram acts as an umbrella where you can perform transactions of the following offices:

Electricity Board
Water Authority
Kollam Corporation
Civil Supplies Department
Revenue Department
Motor Vehicle Department
Kerala University
BSNL

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This was an excellent concept started by the government to have all the monthly payment offices to be under one umbrella. I have gone to the Kollam and Trivandrum offices for certain transactions. Moreover, the customers are treated very friendly by the employees there compared to the insipid approach of the general government offices. It will be quite handy for the public if these Friends Jana Sevan Kendram offices are there in all cities and towns.

Objective:

FRIENDS’ (Fast, Reliable, Instant, Effective Network for Disbursement of Services) is a single window ‘no queue’ integrated remittance centre where the citizens have t he opportunity to pay all taxes and other dues to the Government under one roof at no extra cost. Offering a comfortable ambience, each ‘FRIENDS’centre accept payments of the Kerala University, Local body, Electricity Board, Water Authority, Land Revenue, Civil Supplies, Motor Vehicles, BSNL and Electrical Inspectorate. The computerized counters manned by customer friendly officials, work from 9.00 am to 7.00 pm, including all Sundays.

Kollam Friends' Address and Contact Details:

The Project Manager
FRIENDS Janasevana Kendram
Kollam Corporation Shopping Complex Building,
Andamukkum
Kollam.
Phone: 0474 – 2767451
friendsklm -at- keralaitmission.org

Kollam Bypass completion. The completion of the 4th and 5th phases to be expedited.


Kollam - Kovalam stretch to be 6-laned in the first phaze as Cherthala - Kovalam NH-47 stretch received the concent to be 6-laned from the centre. A Super Highway can be set up.


A byroad from Aashramam Chenkottu Junction Via Vilappuram to Mangad that is parallel to NH-208 has to be constructed. The sketch of this road is already done.


Kollam - Ayur and Paripally - Madathara road should be renovated using central fund.

Waterways development:

The National Waterway-3 from Kollam to Kovalam has to completed soon for the Tourism development.

Public Sector companies Development:

Funds should be allocated for the renovation of IRE and Parvathy Mill public sector companies.

Sports Infrastructure:

Financial assistance required from centre for the Indoor stadium completion.

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Railway development Agenda:

Completion of Kollam Schencotta Braud Gauge conversion in a time bound manner


Kollam - Punalur BG conversion completion has to be expedited and Punalur - Schencottah work has to be started.This will help the vegetble prices to be slashed as most of the vegetables come from Tamil Nadu through this route.


NH-208 that is parallel to the Kollam - Schencotta railway line has to be repaired.


A second Terminal has to be constructed for Kollam Junction near to Sankar's hospital junction. This will ease the heavy rush in the ticket counters in the first terminal.


The Kollam MEMU that is connecting the major cities of South Kerala has to be completed soon.


More projects like the coach factory in Cherthala can be setup in Kollam as there is enough land available for Railways here. This will give employment for thousands.


Stop for Rajadhani at Kollam Junction.


More compartement for Express Trains and Passenger trains to Alleppy or Kottayam in the afternoon required.
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^^ - That's an old turn table there. I guess not too many people know about railway turn-tables (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turntable_(rail)).

There is one at Trivandrum Central too, I think. Sadly these engineering marvels are not being preserved. :ohno:

Great to see that the MEMU work is in progress. I am sure the primary traffic will be on the Trivandrum - Kollam stretch, given how many commuters in this route commute daily to and from their jobs in Trivandrum.

Trivandrum Central will soon get dedicated MEMU platforms, along with its new world-class Terminal Building. Kerala's busiest station is getting set to become even busier with the MEMUs, which should skim a lot of traffic from the buses.

I think Trivandrum will have stations at Kazhakkoottam (Technopark), Kochuveli (Airport), Pettah, Central and Nemom for the MEMUs. The city itself (forget the U/A) is over 35 Kms long in the north-south axis, stretching from Kazhakkoottam to Balaramapuram. This needs at least 6-7 stations.

Great going, Reghu. Keep up the updates. :okay:

Cashew Board at Kollam

Cashew Board should be formed soon and it should be head quartered at Kollam itself.

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District Hospital Development

The district hospital should be elevated to a Medical College Hospital or Super Speciality hospital status. In most of the emergency cases during accidents, it is referred to Trivandrum Medical college which is 71 KMs away. More central funds should be utilized for this and the repair of modern equipments in the hospital.

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^^ - That's an old turn table there. I guess not too many people know about railway turn-tables (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turntable_(rail)).

There is one at Trivandrum Central too, I think. Sadly these engineering marvels are not being preserved. :ohno:

Great to see that the MEMU work is in progress. I am sure the primary traffic will be on the Trivandrum - Kollam stretch, given how many commuters in this route commute daily to and from their jobs in Trivandrum.

Trivandrum Central will soon get dedicated MEMU platforms, along with its new world-class Terminal Building. Kerala's busiest station is getting set to become even busier with the MEMUs, which should skim a lot of traffic from the buses.

I think Trivandrum will have stations at Kazhakkoottam (Technopark), Kochuveli (Airport), Pettah, Central and Nemom for the MEMUs. The city itself (forget the U/A) is over 35 Kms long in the north-south axis, stretching from Kazhakkoottam to Balaramapuram. This needs at least 6-7 stations.

Great going, Reghu. Keep up the updates. :okay:

Thank you, Ajay for the motivation. It is sad that the engineering marvels are disappearing. The turn table is already removed from Kollam junction as it was used by the old meter gauge trains that are part of history as far as Kollam Junction is concerned.

The MEMU shed is coming up just adjacent to that location. Truly, the old meter guage side of Kollam Junction is going to get a new look once the MEMU shed and Kollam - Punalur BG conversion work is completed. This section will be the hub of MEMU base in Kollam. Just like in Trivandrum Central, dedicated platforms will come up at Kollam Junction for MEMU trains orginating from Kollam and go towards Trivandrum and Ernakulum side. SN College Junction, Eravipuram and Mayyanad will be the major MEMU stations within the city limits in the southern stretch as most of the commuters to Trivandrum board from these places.

In future MEMU trains may ply through the Kollam - Punalur stretch as well if electrification happens at this stretch.

The authorities have to make sure to provide better facilities at the stations like Eravipuram, Mayyanad and Paravur in Kollam district exclusively for MEMU.

Turn table was there at Trivandrum Central, seems it got removed for the construction of the Second Terminal on the Power house Road.

BTW I do not think MEMU will start running towards Ernakulam. Kayamkulam-Ernakulam is still a bottle neck in both Alappuzha and Kottayam routes. Recently I travelled in the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Kayankulam route, saw atleast some works only in the Kayankulam-Mavelikkara sector.

And regarding MEMU shed also, didn't see any visible progress at Kollam jn.

And Reghu, while posting pics, give courtesy to photographers. I think the last photo you had posted about Bishop Jerome Nagar is taken by somebody else, I think I have seen it before as well as posted in Kollam thread.

^^ - That's an old turn table there. I guess not too many people know about railway turn-tables (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Turntable_(rail)).

There is one at Trivandrum Central too, I think. Sadly these engineering marvels are not being preserved. :ohno:

Turn table was there at Trivandrum Central, seems it got removed for the construction of the Second Terminal on the Power house Road.

BTW I do not think MEMU will start running towards Ernakulam. Kayamkulam-Ernakulam is still a bottle neck in both Alappuzha and Kottayam routes. Recently I travelled in the Ernakulam-Kottayam-Kayankulam route, saw atleast some works only in the Kayankulam-Mavelikkara sector.

And regarding MEMU shed also, didn't see any visible progress at Kollam jn.

And Reghu, while posting pics, give courtesy to photographers. I think the last photo you had posted about Bishop Jerome Nagar is taken by somebody else, I think I have seen it before as well as posted in Kollam thread.

Thank you Sudheesh bhai. I will give due credit for the photogrphers.

Regarding the MEMU progress, it is correct that there is no significant visibitity. 2 crores of ground works have already been completed out of the 7.5 crores alloted. The visibility is not felt as the MEMU shed work has not yet started except the ground work.

The new MPs have to exert pressure for the expedition of the work progress.

The work shop is coming up at the back side of the Kollam Railway Reservation office. It has 210 metres length and 14 metres width.

Apart from the MEMU workshop, a Service Building, Pit Wheel Laith for wheel repair are to come up shortly.

The sketch for the new development program will be sent from the Chennai head quarters shortly. More fund will be allocated based on the program and the construction work will be charted out depending on that.

I do not think that this railway project will be scrapped in any case as it is the most economical railway system for Kerala in the present scenario. The only hindrance may be dedicated lines for the MEMU.

http://i44.tinypic.com/549kdj.jpgThe MEMU work shop is coming up at this location (an old Snap as the work has already started). The building seen is the Reservation centre.






Reghu, it is better to avoid pictures like this where the faces are clearly visible. We could end up in trouble, epecially when girls are involved!!

Reghu, it is better to avoid pictures like this where the faces are clearly visible. We could end up in trouble, epecially when girls are involved!!

You are right. That snap was taken from the train while it was moving. I did not get enough time to take snaps especially from the vacant spaces. I will be careful in future. Thank you, Babu.

The NH Cheief General Mananger of the Sothern Zone Mr R K Singh visited the Kollam - Kottarakkara stretch of the NH - 208 and the MC road portion of Kottarakkara. He said new projects for the development of both these roads will be taken. He will submit the development projects to the NH Authority shortly.

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The railway passengers association has announced a protest march to Punalur Railway station tomorrow (April 30th, 2009) in protest to the delay in the work progress of Kollam - Punalur braud gauge conversion.

The trains have stopped service along the Kollam - Punalur stretch for almost 3 years now. The lack of trains have hit the trade and commerce of the district as well as the commutation of thousands of students and office goers.

The remaining 10 percent of the work is taking more time without any reasons. The inaugration was supposed to happen in March 2009.

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The Kollam study used the latest technology, including Geographical Information System (GPS) and satellite images, for the plan preparation. Sectoral analysis was done in 18 development sectors such as agriculture, industry, infrastructure, forests, environment, mining and geology, social welfare, women and child development, power and telecommunication and tourism.

It is this comprehensiveness and participation of the people in the plan preparation process that opens the window to a new horizon of development in the State.

“Things are not as bad in Kerala as in other states in the IT sector because there is a huge trend in companies opting for tier-2 and 3 cities, which favours Kerala. In the backdrop of the slowdown, there has of course been a moderation in new companies setting up business in the state, but the state is poised to do significantly better than the national average performance”, state IT secretary Ajay Kumar said.

Based on provisional statistics, state IT department officials foresee Kerala’s IT sector clocking a 45% growth in 2008-09 in comparison to the previous year, as against the projected national average growth of about 17%.

Trivandrum Technopark senior manager M Vasudevan said Kerala was perhaps the only state to offer an assistance package to the IT sector, and that there was no mood of despair in the Technopark, which has about 25,000 techies.

The government’s plans to decentralize the IT industry in Kerala with tech parks in all districts are also being realized. District IT parks are proposed to come up at Kundara, Cherthala, Ambalappuzha, Thrissur, Kozhikode and Kannur, of which the Thrissur park is expected to be the earliest to be commissioned, by October.

Source: Economic Times

It has been 2 years now since the train service between Kollam - Punalur stretch is stopped. The inaugration of the Kollam - Punalur braud gauge was supposed to happen in March 2009 according to the schedule. The delay is happens due to snail pace work progress and the lack of will power of the authorities and concerned politicians.

A protest march to Punalur railway station take place today by the Railway Passengers association. The service in this stretch was stopped on April 30th 2007 and the minister R Velu promised at that time that the service will be restorted within 6 months. It has been 2 years since then and 10 percent of the work is still pending.

The Mylum bridge and the link road near to Kottarakkara has become a stumbling block for the completion of the work. The renovation and the signal systems of the 8 railway stations in this stretch are not completed. The Punalur Railway Station ,the most important station in this stretch
has more work pending than any other station.

Thousands of students and employers who are commuting to Kollam, Trivandrum and Punalur are affected by this delay. Moreover, the trade and commerce of the district is badly hit by this delay as the route was the cheapest for bringing vegetables and stationaries from Tamil Nadu.

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1. Shasthancotta Fresh water lake protection: A statutory authority should be set up in this regard.The lake is the main source for drinking water for the 5 lakh people in Kollam city and adjoining areas. More schemes to be implemented to attract tourists to this beautiful place.

2. Coastal High way: A coastal highway to be constructed along the district's coast.

3. Kollam Port: Kollam Port to be modelled like the Cochin Port. Railway link to Kollam Port should be established.

4. Tourism: Rope way and Lake side rail to be set up to view and enjoy the Ashtamudi lake scenes.Ashtamudi Tourism Authority should be set up. More tourism projects for Thirumullavaram Beach required.

5. Kollam - Pathanamthita connectivity: Kadassery - Kaithkode - Padom road to be included in the Prime Minister's Grameen Sadak Yojana for better connectivity of the 2 districts

6. Kollam Drainage Project: The drainage project should be expedited. 25% of the work is still pending.

7. Parvathy Mill: The Parvathi mills should be given a fillip and new dress materials should be manufactured from there giving employement to more people.

8. Marine Drive road: A new marine drive road that starts from Thattamala - Eravipuram - Pallithottam should be constructed.

9. IT Hub @ Kollam: An IT hub should be established at Kollam.

10. Kendriya Vidyalaya: Kendriya Vidyalaya's at the eastern part of the districts should be established.

11. Thenmala Eco-Tourism Project: A master plan should be sketched for further development of this project.

12. Mineral Industry @ Chavara: More value added products should be developed from this sector which can give employment for more people.

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Railway development Agenda:

Completion of Kollam Schencotta Braud Gauge conversion in a time bound manner


Kollam - Punalur BG conversion completion has to be expedited and Punalur - Schencottah work has to be started.This will help the vegetble prices to be slashed as most of the vegetables come from Tamil Nadu through this route.


NH-208 that is parallel to the Kollam - Schencotta railway line has to be repaired.


A second Terminal has to be constructed for Kollam Junction near to Sankar's hospital junction. This will ease the heavy rush in the ticket counters in the first terminal.


The Kollam MEMU that is connecting the major cities of South Kerala has to be completed soon.


More projects like the coach factory in Cherthala can be setup in Kollam as there is enough land available for Railways here. This will give employment for thousands.


Stop for Rajadhani at Kollam Junction.


More compartement for Express Trains and Passenger trains to Alleppy or Kottayam in the afternoon required.

The authorities should give priority for:

1. Completion of Kollam - Punalur BG conversion

2. MEMU Shed completion

3. Kollam Junction Second Terminal with ticket counters at the Upasana hospital side

4. Stop for Rajadhani Express at Kollam Junction

5. More platforms and amenities

The NH Cheief General Mananger of the Sothern Zone Mr R K Singh visited the Kollam - Kottarakkara stretch of the NH - 208 and the MC road portion of Kottarakkara. He said new projects for the development of both these roads will be taken. He will submit the development projects to the NH Authority shortly.

It is really imperative to develop the NH-208 to a 4 laner status as this is the most important road that connects the city to the breadth of the district. Morover, it is the longest National Highway in the district that truly connects Kollam to Tamil Nadu. It is almost parallel to the Kollam - Punalur BG and most of the railway stations in this stretch are just walkable distances from the NH-208. This makes NH-208 more relavant.

The development of NH-208 into 4-laner and the new Kollam - Punalur BG will change the face of towns like Kundara, Ezhukone, Kottarakkara and Punalur and this is will help the overall development of the district and the region.

The land required for the Kollam Kendriya Vidyalaya building construction will be handed over to the school authoriites after giving the full amount of the land soon to the concerned. The land is part of the education zone at Ramankulangara in the city. The corporation is also planning to start a Government Law College at this education zone.
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ESI Medical college, Paripally has got approval of Kerala government and Kerala university. The India Medical Council has already approved the ESI Medical college in Kollam district which is one among the 11 prestigious medical colleges started by ESI corporation in the country. The 11 medical colleges are at the differnt parts of the country.

A total of 800 crores - 400 crores for buying medical equipments and 400 crore for building construction have been allotted.

The building which is coming up at 5 floors will be fully airconditioned. This will be first medical college in India which will be completely air conditioned. The building that is coming up in the initial phase will have a total area of 13 lakhs sq. kms and will be ready in 18 months.

The medical college has been approved 100 academic seats and the admission starts in 2010 - 2011 academic year. A Nursing College will also be started at Paripally shortly under ESI corporation.

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The first coastal police station in Kerala to get modern arms and ammunition. The Kollam Coastal Police station heaq quartered at Neendakara will receive modern armes like:


Hitech boats which can dart at a speed of 150 Kms per hour

LMG machine guns that can fire 40 times in a round and can reach kilometers.

Night vision devices to view objects at far away distances during night petroling.

Modern Binoculars to view objects that are Kilometers away. These binoculars can find out the distance of the objects from the viewing point.

Bullet proof jackets for all coast guards.

Neendakara Coastal police Station is the first of this kind in Kerala.:banana:
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Beautiful Ashtamudi Lake with the Vaidya Apartments and Vaidya Arcade at the back ground:

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Beautiful snap. I was mentioning about this stretch, Reghu. The lake view and greenary is awesome with the city scrapers in the back ground. This backwater area is the habitat of rare fishes as the Mangrove forest (Kandal Vanam) is nearby.

The marine drive (Aashramam Link road) is coming up at this place. They have to make sure that the natural habitat is not disturbed during the road work progress.

I think no other city can boast these natural scenic abundance that our city possess. Keep up the good work. Kudos from my end.^^

Some snaps of the residency road at Aashramam that is been 4-laned now. This is one of the beautiful roads in the city almost like an avenue road with trees fringing both the sides. One side of the road is the historic Aashramam Maidan. Once the road (Kappalandi Mukku - Residency road - Aashramam Link Road - Taluk Cutchery stretch) is complete, vehicle from the Trivandrum side can reach High School junction without entering Chinnakkada.

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Pic courtesy: Flickr

Two years have completed yesterday (April 30th) since the train services on the Kollam-Punalur line had been stopped.

When the train services were stopped on 30th April 2007 for converting the meter gauge into broad gauge, the Railway authorities had promised that the conversion works would be completed within 6 months. However, 10 percent of the gauge conversion work in the 45-kms-long line is still remaining.

The construction of an overbridge at Mylom and its approach road, track linking, renovation work of platforms in the 8 railway stations and the signaling works have to be completed for starting the train services.

About 3.5-kms-long railway line has to be laid in the areas of Kottarakkara, Ambalathumkala and Mylom areas. The delay in the construction of the Mylom overbridge and its approach road is the main problem which needs a solution for the completion of the rail laying work.

The work is delayed owing to the disputes between the Railway authorities and the KSTP. The Railways had asked the KSTP to stop the traffic on the route for the construction of the approach road to the overbridge.

However, the KSTP authorities maintained that the approach road could be laid without stopping the traffic. Only if the new overbridge is opened for traffic, the old one could be dismantled and without dismantling the old one, the gauge conversion in that area is not possible.

The Railway authorities said that the approach road and the gauge conversion work could be completed within 15 days once the stumbling blocks were cleared. The Railway authorities are postponing the resuming of train services in the Kollam-Punalur line indefinitely.

Hundreds of commuters, including students, on the Kollam-Punalur route were suffering a lot during the past two years because of the stoppage of train services.

The Railway Passengers Association will hold a march and dharna in front of the Punalur railway station on April 30 demanding the speedy completion of the gauge conversion.

Association president S.Ullaskumar has said that the Railway authorities are on the move to stop the train services in the Punalur-Chenkotta line also though administration sanction has not been accorded for gauge conversion in this line.

Courtesy: Express News Service

ESI Medical college, Paripally has got approval of Kerala government and Kerala university. The India Medical Council has already approved the ESI Medical college in Kollam district which is one among the 11 prestigious medical colleges started by ESI corporation in the country. The 11 medical colleges are at the differnt parts of the country.

A total of 800 crores - 400 crores for buying medical equipments and 400 crore for building construction have been allotted.

The building which is coming up at 5 floors will be fully airconditioned. This will be first medical college in India which will be completely air conditioned. The building that is coming up in the initial phase will have a total area of 13 lakhs sq. kms and will be ready in 18 months.

The medical college has been approved 100 academic seats and the admission starts in 2010 - 2011 academic year. A Nursing College will also be started at Paripally shortly under ESI corporation.

Excellent news. This Medical college will become the prime centre of health care in south Kerala in future. The great news is that the southern part of Kollam district is becoming a great hub of Healthcare. The notable big hospitals and medical colleges in the southern side of the districtare:

1. Medi City - Travencore Medical College Hospital, Thattamala Kollam

2. Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam Kollam

3. Azeezia Medical College Hosptal, Meeyannor, Kollam

4. ESI Medical college, Paripally Kollam

5. Co-Operative Hospital, Decent Jn, Kollam

Apart form these MES has already proposed a group of educational institutions at Chathanoor.

This is a great begining as the concept of Kollam - Trivandrum corridor is getting the momentum.

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View from a house boat:

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Reghu, I believe the hotel has not started functioning yet, though, the construction was over some time back. I heard the NRI construction magnate Ravi Pillai owns this magnificient 5 -star lake side hotel.

As per the study of Madras IIT, an additional 12th break water of 50 meters in length towards sea is being constructed at the Paravur estuary as part of the Kollam - Punalur coastal road renovation. This will be 12th brakwater and will be completed within a month. With the completion of Kollam - Paravur coastal road, the distance between Kollam and Paravur will come down to a mere 12 KMs compared to the 23 Kms round about raod at present. It takes more than an hour to reach Paravur from Kollam during the peak hours at present. When the road is completed, it may take only 10 to 12 minutes even during peak hours.

This road is going to be a major boost for beach as well as the backwater tourism of Kollam as most of the resort and hotels are concentrated in this sector.

Paravur definitely needs better connectivity with Kollam city as this municipal town is almost isolated though it is hardly 10 - 12 minutes away from the city by train. Paravur is one of the best places in Kollam for village type backwater tourism just like Mundro Islands, Padappakkara, Vellimon, Guhanandapuram, Ashtamudi and Kandachira.

Here is a snap of the Paravur Estuary where the lake meets the sea:

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The authorities should give priority for:

1. Completion of Kollam - Punalur BG conversion

2. MEMU Shed completion

3. Kollam Junction Second Terminal with ticket counters at the Upasana hospital side

4. Stop for Rajadhani Express at Kollam Junction

5. More platforms and amenities

An official stop for Rajadhani train at Kollam should be given with immedeate effect. Though the train has no official stop at Kollam, it used to stop at Kollam everytime it passes Kollam for signal reasons.

Kollam is the biggest junction in Kerala. Moreover the nearest stops for Rajadhani is 70 KMs south and 140 Kms north. There are stops for Rajadhani at Trichur, Shornur and Kannur which are just 74 Kms 30 KMs and 90 Kms from the nearest stops.

In this scenario the stop at Kollam Junction which is going to be the hub of MEMU trains and the gateway for trains to Tamil Nadu is more justifiable.

Moreover, there are a lot of central government institutions in the region such as the IRE Chavara, Thermal Power Plant at Kayankulam, the PF and ESI offices and a lot of others where the employees may require to go to Delhi.

There are pilgrimmage centres like the Amrithanandamayi Aashram, Panmana Aashramam, Shivagiri Aashram, Varkala and reputed tourist places like Thenmala, Varkala, Ashtamudi and Paravur Backwaters and Tirumullavaram. The pilgrims and tourists may not prefer to travel farther distance to board the trains.

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Reghu, I believe the hotel has not started functioning yet, though, the construction was over some time back. I heard the NRI construction magnate Ravi Pillai owns this magnificient 5 -star lake side hotel.

Yes, you are right. There was some news earlier that this hotel will be under some famous brand. Not sure about the final update. But the location and structure is simply imperious.

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Pic courtesy - Jean Paul

The heart of the city should get a facelift. The chinnakkada round is the most important and the biggest junction in the city. I think the authorities should beautify the round and ease the traffic congestion with better ideas. The traffic will be double after the underpass, MEMU and BG conversions materialize.

Overall, the Collectorate - Chnnakkada - SN College Junction stretch should be given a renovated look with necessary beautification and footpaths as this is the most important stretch of the city. This road can be renamed as MG Road as the city does not have a road in the name of 'Father of the Nation'.

The Kunnicode - Pathanapuram road is going to be enhanced to National Highway standard. The tourism departement has allotted
an amount for this regard for the first phase of the work.

This road will ease the traffic congestion for Sabarimala pilgrims as well as people going from the eastern part of the district to Trivandrum side.

Price Waterhouse Coopers and Mumbai based CES-SPA joint venture have emerged front-runners respectively for the posts of project management consultants (PMC) and project development consultants (PDC) for the upcoming National Games in Kerala.

From Kollam the existing infrastructure selected for renovation are the Kollam Hockey stadium ( Rs 5 crore). In addition to that there will be a new indoor stadium called Greenfield stadium (Rs 15 crore).

Price Waterhouse Coopers and Mumbai based CES-SPA joint venture have emerged front-runners respectively for the posts of project management consultants (PMC) and project development consultants (PDC) for the upcoming National Games in Kerala.

From Kollam the existing infrastructure selected for renovation are the Kollam Hockey stadium ( Rs 5 crore). In addition to that there will be a new indoor stadium called Greenfield stadium (Rs 15 crore).

Greenfield is not a name. It's a general terminology for a new facilities

Greenfield is not a name. It's a general terminology for a new facilities

Thank you, Arun for the information. The indoor stadium is a new one in all respects and it is coming up adjacent to the Lal Bahadur Stadium complex. Moreover, there are a couple of Sports hostels and a couple of new ones coming up very near to this site.

The Hockey ground is coming up at Aashramam in the city.:banana:

Thank you, Arun for the information. The indoor stadium is a new one in all respects and it is coming up adjacent to the Lal Bahadur Stadium complex. Moreover, there are a couple of Sports hostels and a couple of new ones coming up very near to this site.

The Hockey ground is coming up at Aashramam in the city.:banana:

Is there enough space near the Lalbahadur stadium for another one? I thought that place is quite conjested with the SNcollege ground on one side!!

Cambay Palm Lagoon Kollam

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Cambay Palm Lagoon Kollam

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That is an absolutely splendid resort on the Ashtamudi lake side. I have seen the beautiful snaps in the Kollam - Backwater Tourism thread.

It is great to hear that most of the big brands are looking at the Kollam backwaters to tap the excellent potential available here. The Orchid group's The Beach Orcid, the Mahindra group's - Club Mahindra and Cambay group's Cambay Palm Lagoon are good examples.

Is there enough space near the Lalbahadur stadium for another one? I thought that place is quite conjested with the SNcollege ground on one side!!

Yes, yaar. There is ample space for an Indoor stadium. I do not think that the stadium is coming up at the SN college ground side as the available space there is reserved for the upcoming sports hostels.

The is enough space for the Indoor Stadium as the Quilon Athletic Club's QAC ground is adjacent to the Lal Bahadur Shastri (LBS) stadium. Moreover there is enough space near to the Railway Community Hall which is very near to the LBS stadium.

Besides, I do not think any of the upcoming newly constructed stadiums in any of the venue cities will be so huge and of the Olympic standard. The money allocated for each stadium depicts the true story.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nagapattinam has urged the Railway Board to operate more trains from Nagapattinam to various destinations.

According to a UNI report, the Chamber sought for operating a Nagore-Chennai Express train via Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli on a temporary basis till the completion of Villupuram and Mayiladuturai broad gauge works, besides introducing an overnight express train between Nagore and Kollam via Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli and Madurai. This will immensely benefit people coming from Kerala and Southern districts of Tamil Nadu to visit Velankanni, Nagore and other places.

Welcoming the extension of Ernakulam-Tiruchirapalli Express train up to Nagore, the Chamber urged the Railway Board to expedite the ongoing guage conversion work between Mayiladuturai-Villupuram and speed up

(Excerpts from Travel Biz Monitor)

Hope the concerned authorities or lobbies in Chennai hear this as the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is not completed yet.

A small ship is seen docked at the Vaddy side:
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Pic courtesy: Jean Paul

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The Neendakara Bridge that connects the city with Chavara:

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^^Which is the other of the 'twin' fishing harbour of Neendakara? Vadi?

BTW when you give courtesy of photos, give to the photographers first rather than saying as 'flickr'.

^^Which is the other of the 'twin' fishing harbour of Neendakara? Vadi?

BTW when you give courtesy of photos, give to the photographers first rather than saying as 'flickr'.

Approximately 7 km from Kollam on NH 47 is Neendakara harbour. This harbour is located at the north end of the bridge. The south end which belongs to the Kollam city is called Shakthikulangara harbour. Once a fishing harbour under the Indo-Norwegian project, today it is more famous as a viewing point for 'Chaakara', a post monsoon phenomenon that occurs just off the coast.

As part of the Integrated Fisheries Project, on 17th October 1952 the Governments of Norway and India along with the United Nations signed an agreement. It was agreed that the Government of Norway would assist the Government of India in carrying out a program of developmental projects to contribute to the advancement of the economic and social welfare of the people of India. The Supplementary Agreement signed on 24th January 1953 shaped the “Indo-Norwegian Project” for fishermen community development at Sakthikulangara and Neendakara. This project changed the face of Sakthikulangara to the extent that gifted a nickname to this place as Kochamerica (Little America). This project contributed heavily to the economic growth of the place.

Sudheesh, Kollam Port is commonly termed as Thankasseri Port and Vaddy, Port Kollam, Pallithottam and Moothakkara areas come under the Port area. The 2.5 KM long break water starts from Thankasseri side while the exisiting wharf is at the 0.5 KM short break water that starts at the Vaddy side.

Approximately 7 km from Kollam on NH 47 is Neendakara harbour. This harbour is located at the north end of the bridge. The south end which belongs to the Kollam city is called Shakthikulangara harbour. Once a fishing harbour under the Indo-Norwegian project, today it is more famous as a viewing point for 'Chaakara', a post monsoon phenomenon that occurs just off the coast.

As part of the Integrated Fisheries Project, on 17th October 1952 the Governments of Norway and India along with the United Nations signed an agreement. It was agreed that the Government of Norway would assist the Government of India in carrying out a program of developmental projects to contribute to the advancement of the economic and social welfare of the people of India. The Supplementary Agreement signed on 24th January 1953 shaped the “Indo-Norwegian Project” for fishermen community development at Sakthikulangara and Neendakara. This project changed the face of Sakthikulangara to the extent that gifted a nickname to this place as Kochamerica (Little America). This project contributed heavily to the economic growth of the place.

Sudheesh, Kollam Port is commonly termed as Thankasseri Port and Vaddy, Port Kollam, Pallithottam and Moothakkara areas come under the Port area. The 2.5 KM long break water starts from Thankasseri side while the exisiting wharf is at the 0.5 KM short break water that starts at the Vaddy side.

Sudheesh, EQ, these harbours are called Twin harbours because wharfs are their at the two extremes of the so called Neendakara bridge.

Though, Neendakara harbour side is the big one and does more fishing and export buisiness, Shakthikulangara side has more Ice Plants.

This port is still active as a cargo port though, the cargo is carried in boats and dumped into the ship at a certain distance from the main land. IRE and KMML were using this port very extensively some time back.

A small ship is seen docked at the Vaddy side:
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Pic courtesy: Jean Paul

EQ, a sea park is coming up near the Dutch fort premises which is very near to this location from which the photgraph is taken. Moreover, the Kollam corporation is planning a bus terminal near to Thankasseri Buckingham Canal which is close to the park.

EQ, a sea park is coming up near the Dutch fort premises which is very near to this location from which the photgraph is taken. Moreover, the Kollam corporation is planning a bus terminal near to Thankasseri Buckingham Canal which is close to the park.

Nice to hear about the Buckingham Canal. I was a regular visitor of Tangasseri and we call it 'Tangy' during my college days. We used to hang out and enjoy the beach scenes from the basement of the Buckingham Canal. But the sad plight about this historic canal in Tangasseri is that it is dying due to the reclamation of land by the real estate eagles.

The story of its sad plight came in The Hindu some time back. The archeological and tourism department should come forward to protect the remnants of this canal constructed by the British.

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Courtesy - The Hindu

Nice to hear about the Buckingham Canal. I was a regular visitor of Tangasseri and we call it 'Tangy' during my college days. We used to hang out an enjoy the beach scenes from the basement of the Buckingham Canal. But the sad plight about this historic canal in Tangasseri is that it is dying due to the reclamation of land by the real estate eagles.

The story of its sad plight came in The Hindu some time back. The archeological and tourism department should come forward to protect the remnants of this canal constructed by the British.


Yaar, I have read that news that came a year back, I believe. The Kollam Corporation Mayor and the Archiological guys visited the spot the following day in a sly to inspect the reality.

But I do not think that any progress has happend regarding the preservation of the Buckingham canal till now.

Buckingham Canal – A small canal between the Portuguese cemetery and the Lighthouse Road in Thangassery, a reminder of the city’s vibrant colonial legacy.

The Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed), has taken up construction of a fishing net manufacturing unit in Kannur district with an outlay of Rs 18.50 crore, and a Glucocemen factory in Alappuzha district, Matsyafed chairman V V Saseendran said here.

Two other projects under way are a fishmeal plant in Alappuzha district and a community peeling centre of international standards in Kollam district. Matsyafed had a working profit of Rs 51.43 lakh in 2008-09.

The Kerala State Co-operative Federation for Fisheries Development (Matsyafed), has taken up construction of a fishing net manufacturing unit in Kannur district with an outlay of Rs 18.50 crore, and a Glucocemen factory in Alappuzha district, Matsyafed chairman V V Saseendran said here.

Two other projects under way are a fishmeal plant in Alappuzha district and a community peeling centre of international standards in Kollam district. Matsyafed had a working profit of Rs 51.43 lakh in 2008-09.

Reghu, the project will be near to the twin harbours of Shakthikulangara - Neendakara as it is the hub of the fishing industry in Kollam. Right?

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Reghu, the project will be near to the twin harbours of Shakthikulangara - Neendakara as it is the hub of the fishing industry in Kollam. Right?

I am not sure, yaar. But, as you have mentioned it should be at Neendakara or Shakthikulangara.

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This project is getting delayed for political reasons. The rehabilitation process has started when Mr. Babu Divakaran was the minister from Kollam constituency. He has taken initiative to clean the Irumbu Palam - Beach stretch of the Kollam Canal and started the Water Sports centre near to beach.

The rehabilitation process should happen soon and the widening and cleaning of the Kollam canal should be expedited.

The Kollam - Kovalam stretch of the National Water Way - 3 will become a reality only after the widening of this stretch.

The Railway General Manager is not hapopy with the progress of the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion as the work is going on at snail's pace. The inaugration was supposed to happen in March 2009. He said the new dates for the completion will be decided soon.

He has ordered the concerned authorities should complete all the pending works within this new stipulated time.

The authoriites at Kollam has informed that it will take another 6 months to complete the pending works in Kollam - Punalur stretch if it is expedited and another 3 years for the Punalur - Schencottah stretch to be completed if work starts shortly.

The general manager has informed that the Punalur - Schencottah BG conversion tender will happen within 10 days.
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The red tapism mentality of the authorities and government departments as well as lack of will power of the politicians are dampening one of the best tourism projects in Kerala itself. It is a pity that they behave so irresponsibly.

Yaar, I have posted a news regarding the potential of the Vattakayal in the Tourism thread some time back. I am cross posting it here as it is relevant:

Kollam Vattakayal - Prospects bright for Water Sports Academy - Rs 300 crores investment for Kollam lake

Vattakayal Lakein Kollam may soon be a swimming training facility for para-military personnel; the transformation will benefit the state’s tourism industry.

A sleepy hamlet around a fresh-water lake in Kollam will soon be on the defence as well as the responsible tourism map of India, thanks to the efforts of an an environmental protection body in the district. The lake might soon see para-military personnel undergo swimming lessons.

The Vattakayal Lake, which takes is name for its circular shape, is at the forefront of a unique initiative spearheaded by the Vattakayal Samrakshana Pradeshika Vikasana Samithi, the environment protection body here. The Samithi leads an eco club that strives to protect and spur development around the fresh water lake.

Speaking to Business Standard Jayan Pongada, secretary, Vattakayal Samrakshana Pradeshika Vikasana Samithi, said: “The Samithi’s efforts are starting to bear fruit with a proposal to develop and convert the Vattakayal Lake into a swimming pool to train the country’s para-military forces under consideration of defence ministry.” The proposal is likely to get the nod soon and the Vattakayal Lake will never be the same old sleepy water body in this part of Kollam district, Jayan said.

The defence ministry nod will mean that Rs 300 crore would be invested to transform the Vattakayal Lake into a swimming pool to train para-military personnel. The lake, which spans a circumference of 40 acres, plus the 100-acre wasteland adjacent to it, will benefit from the investment, Jayan added. The southern part of the lake will house the swimming training facility. Vattakayal was picked from among five locations in Kerala, including the Veli Lake in Thiruvananthapuram, he added.

Explaining the rationale behind the swimming training facility, a source in the para-military forces said this probably would be a common training centre aimed at training the National Disaster Response Force, which would include the CRPF, BSF, ITBP and the CISF. Members of rescue missions, which get into the act when national calamities strike, are expected to complete their training at the Vatakayal Lake facility when the work on it is over.

Efforts taken by the Vattakayal Samrakshana Pradeshika Vikasana Samithi had attracted intervention from the local MLA and Kerala’s Minister for Water Resources N K Premachandran. He, along with the Minister for Labour and the Minister for Revenue , took the idea forward. The Samithi, with support from the Kollam District Tourism Promotion Council (DTPC), felt that there was a need to develop the lake into a responsible tourism destination too. When the approval for the swimming training facility comes up, it is expected that tourism around Vattakayal would also blossom.

The Samithi and the DTPC are now in efforts to introduce sustainable initiatives in tourism that would help tourists, the local community and the fisher folk depend ent on the Lake for a living. “We would also launch efforts to help the fisher folk play a role in sustainable tourism, by helping them find buyers for their catch,” Jayan added.

Voter swims across lake to protest

Kollam: A man living on an islet in the Ashtamudi lake swam to the shore where his polling booth was located and cast his vote on April 16th to protest against the lack of transport linking with the mainland.

Edward, a 48-year-old voter hailing from Munro Thuruth, said he took the risk of braving the strong currents to bring the problems of his fellow islanders to the notice of the political parties"which approach the people once in every five years".

Edward told reporters that the islanders have been demanding a bridge to the mainland, or at least a regular motor boat service.

" When elections come, everybody promises that this demand would be met. But nothing happens after that,"said Edward, who swam across with his voter ID clutched between his teeth.

The work progress of the Kollam Port's Wharf lenghtening, yard development as well as four laning of the road to the port are going at a very slow pace.

The wharf is supposted to be extednded to 176 meteres, but it is extended only upto 116 metres till now.

The delay is caused by the contractors who have undertaken the work as they have not received the money for the work completed.

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View from Bishop Jerome Nagar 7th floor Sun Moon Restaurant:

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Jerome Nagar at Night:

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Courtesy - Joseph and Aneesh

Voter swims across lake to protest

Kollam: A man living on an islet in the Ashtamudi lake swam to the shore where his polling booth was located and cast his vote on April 16th to protest against the lack of transport linking with the mainland.

Edward, a 48-year-old voter hailing from Munro Thuruth, said he took the risk of braving the strong currents to bring the problems of his fellow islanders to the notice of the political parties"which approach the people once in every five years".

Edward told reporters that the islanders have been demanding a bridge to the mainland, or at least a regular motor boat service.

" When elections come, everybody promises that this demand would be met. But nothing happens after that,"said Edward, who swam across with his voter ID clutched between his teeth.

Reghu, I disagree to some extent with this news. The Munroe Island are a group of islands which are relatively small and scattered accross the Astamudi Lake at North East side of Kollam. This stretch is a beautiful place and a natural habitat of rare fishes. I believe the construction of big bridges and connectivity to the mainland will disturb the natural habitat of the rare fish species. Moreover, it will affect the tourism potential of these islands as the tourists want to stay in islolated islands without much disturbance of motor vehicles.

The problem can be resolved if the authoritioes can select some of the big islands in the region and connect it with the Kollam mainland with small and beautiful bridges. It is not practical and good for the region to have all the islands to be connected to the Kollam mainland. I am strongly against too many bridges in this region as it will spoil the beauty of this region as well.

Reghu, I disagree to some extent with this news. The Munroe Island are a group of islands which are relatively small and scattered accross the Astamudi Lake at North East side of Kollam. This stretch is a beautiful place and a natural habitat of rare fishes. I believe the construction of big bridges and connectivity to the mainland will disturb the natural habitat of the rare fish species. Moreover, it will affect the tourism potential of these islands as the tourists want to stay in islolated islands without much disturbance of motor vehicles.

The problem can be resolved if the authoritioes can select some of the big islands in the region and connect it with the Kollam mainland with small and beautiful bridges. It is not practical and good for the region to have all the islands to be connected to the Kollam mainland. I am strongly against too many bridges in this region as it will spoil the beauty of this region as well.

EQ, I also agree with your point in this regard. The connectivity with the mainland should be through the main islands (maximum one or two islands) covering minimal distance. Moreover, as the local people mentioned, authorities can introduce ferry service using motor boats and passenger boats. That will be a great convenience for the internal tourists as well.

The work progress of the Kollam Port's Wharf lenghtening, yard development as well as four laning of the road to the port are going at a very slow pace.

The wharf is supposted to be extednded to 176 meteres, but it is extended only upto 116 metres till now.

The delay is caused by the contractors who have undertaken the work as they have not received the money for the work completed.


The blame entirely lies with the concerned Kollam MP and Kollam MLA who is a minister as well.

The Kollam MP has not mentioned anything significant about Kollam Port development and the Kollam BG conversion. He is more concerned about the Cashew sector for which he could not secure the Kollam Cashew Board as well.

The cashew sector of Kollam will get an impetus if Kollam Port becomes operational and the import and export of cahew happens from and through Kollam.

The Kollam MLA who is a minister reiterates about the Kollam Port development but succumbs to the other port lobbies most of the time.

Kollam Port is the most import issue as far as Kollam City's development.

The blame entirely lies with the concerned Kollam MP and Kollam MLA who is a minister as well.

The Kollam MP has not mentioned anything significant about Kollam Port development and the Kollam BG conversion. He is more concerned about the Cashew sector for which he could not secure the Kollam Cashew Board as well.

The cashew sector of Kollam will get an impetus if Kollam Port becomes operational and the import and export of cahew happens from and through Kollam.

The Kollam MLA who is a minister reiterates about the Kollam Port development but succumbs to the other port lobbies most of the time.

Kollam Port is the most import issue as far as Kollam City's development.

Yes yaar. The development of this ancient port city is inevitable for the overall development of the region. I was wondering why the port was not an important issue for the ruling MP and his party in the elections. I think the voters have realized the double standard of the concerned politicians and this will reflect in the Lok Sabha elections as well. We are truly missing a visionary leader in this regard.

The work tender for the BG conversion of Punalur - Schencottah stretch has been finalized.The contract for the construction work of around 200 small bridges as well as the land works have been decided.

The tender will happen in two weeks. It is decided to dismantle and reconstruct all the minor bridges in this stretch. The Punalur - Schencottah stretch has a distance of 45 KM.
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Courtesy - Biju Elampal

^^ is this the new travancore heritage resort thatz coming up in Kollam?

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Courtesy - Biju Elampal

Reghu, those snaps are really elegant. I think the impressive Kerala style structure as we have discussed earlier in this thread is gorgeous. I think this Backwater side hotel will be the first of its kind that is so close to the banks.

Robin, I do not think they have named this hotel yet as the construction is not over. This hotel is owned by Ravi Pillai an NRI from Kollam.

^^ is this the new travancore heritage resort thatz coming up in Kollam?

Yaar, the Travencore Heritage Resort is coming up near Kovalam, I believe.

As EQ mentioned, the name of this magnificent hotel is not yet revealed.

The owner is the Construction giant cum business magnate from Gulf - Ravi Pillai who originally hails from Chavara, Kollam.

I will update regarding this hotel in the coming days.

Each contituency in Kollam district will implement the road renovation scheme giving priority to the MLA's suggestion.

Each constituency in the district will get a minimum of 15 crores for road works.

The district has 12 MLAs now and they together can suggest 200 crores worth work. All the works will be implemented very fast compared to the 5 - 10 year duration schemes earlier.

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The Kollam bypass will be completed as soon as possible. The ministry will reassess the decision by the center regarding the bypass development of cities as part of the National Highway development as it may take more time.

In this context, Kollam and certain other city bypass works will be dealt separately and be completed as soon as possible.

The National Highway 4 laning in Kerala will be of 45 metres wide though the proposal was for 60 meters.
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The authorities here said that the construction work of the cargo port wharf will proceed. The delay happend as the concerned authorities who were supposed to transfer the budget fund were out of the state due to Election duty. The construction of the extension of Ship Platform Wharf was delayed due to this.

116 metres of the wharf is completed out of the visioned 176 metres. The construction of the 176 metres of wharf should be completed for the comfortable loading and unloading of goods from the ships.

Moreover, the wharf should be extended so that more ships can dock at the wharf the same time. 7 crores of rupees will be utilized for the wharf extension. 2 crores of money allotted by the centre for this work has to be given to the contractor.

Besides, the tender for the Ship channel dredging is also finalized. The goverment owned dredging corporation will undertake this work. The soil from the dredging will be utilized for the 4 - laning of the road from the port to Thankasseri.

The objective is to perform both the dreding and the 4 -laning of the road simultaneously.

The existing roads from the city to the port are all narrow which is causing delay in the port development.

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The Thenmala dam is poised to become the drinking water source for Kollam city.

The Irrigation Department has already given formal approval to the Kollam City Corporation to draw water from the reservoir of the Thenmala Dam for meeting the city’s drinking water needs.

With this development, the Thenmala Dam, situated 70 km from Kollam city, is poised to replace Sasthamcotta Lake as the prime source of drinking water supply to the city.

The city got approval to draw 65 million litres per day. Minister Mr. Premachandran said “it will be a mega drinking water project of the State.” The Kerala Water Authority will now prepare a detailed project report and submit it to the City Corporation.

The Minister said that as per current estimates, it will be a Rs.130- crore project. The project is to be taken up under the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP) which is financially assisted by the Asian Development Bank. One of the prime aims of the KSUDP is water supply improvement.

Mr. Premachandran said that the decision to exploit Thenmala Dam was taken after considering various other options. The Kallada river too was an option, but the project was not found to be practical, he said.

Under the KSUDP project, water will be brought to a suitable location in the city through transmission pipes and then distributed through existing and new overhead tanks.

The advantage of the water from the Thenmala dam is that there will not be any serious shortage at the source, the Minister said.

The city corporation wants the project to be commissioned before the term of the present council ends.

The Indian Chamber of Commerce and Industry in Nagapattinam has urged the Railway Board to operate more trains from Nagapattinam to various destinations.

According to a UNI report, the Chamber sought for operating a Nagore-Chennai Express train via Thanjavur and Tiruchirapalli on a temporary basis till the completion of Villupuram and Mayiladuturai broad gauge works, besides introducing an overnight express train between Nagore and Kollam via Thanjavur, Tiruchirapalli and Madurai. This will immensely benefit people coming from Kerala and Southern districts of Tamil Nadu to visit Velankanni, Nagore and other places.

Welcoming the extension of Ernakulam-Tiruchirapalli Express train up to Nagore, the Chamber urged the Railway Board to expedite the ongoing guage conversion work between Mayiladuturai-Villupuram and speed up

(Excerpts from Travel Biz Monitor)

Hope the concerned authorities or lobbies in Chennai hear this as the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is not completed yet.


It is understood that the entire work is completed, but for a stertch of 2.5 km. And our railways, as usual with the negligence towards Kerala, the work is snailing.

Travancore Heritage is operational for years in Poovar. Owned by Paul who also onws Deedi Motors, EVM Motors etc. There is now way a trivandrumite like Robin would get confused with the Travancore Heritage.

Perhaps this could be a resort in the same name, being developed by somebody else.


Yaar, the Travencore Heritage Resort is coming up near Kovalam, I believe.

The Kollam bypass will be completed as soon as possible. The ministry will reassess the decision by the center regarding the bypass development of cities as part of the National Highway development as it may take more time.

In this context, Kollam and certain other city bypass works will be dealt separately and be completed as soon as possible.

The National Highway 4 laning in Kerala will be of 45 metres wide though the proposal was for 60 meters.
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The NH road development should be at a minimum of 45 meters width. The road width should not be reduced at any cost. There should be a futuristic approach in the roads development. The minister's version of trying to put more pressure on the authorities for more reduction in the proposed 4 -laning of NH-47 and NH-17 road width in the state is like undermining the NH concept itself.

The authorities here said that the construction work of the cargo port wharf will proceed. The delay happend as the concerned authorities who were supposed to transfer the budget fund were out of the state due to Election duty. The construction of the extension of Ship Platform Wharf was delayed due to this.

116 metres of the wharf is completed out of the visioned 176 metres. The construction of the 176 metres of wharf should be completed for the comfortable loading and unloading of goods from the ships.

Moreover, the wharf should be extended so that more ships can dock at the wharf the same time. 7 crores of rupees will be utilized for the wharf extension. 2 crores of money allotted by the centre for this work has to be given to the contractor.

Besides, the tender for the Ship channel dredging is also finalized. The goverment owned dredging corporation will undertake this work. The soil from the dredging will be utilized for the 4 - laning of the road from the port to Thankasseri.

The objective is to perform both the dreding and the 4 -laning of the road simultaneously.

The existing roads from the city to the port are all narrow which is causing delay in the port development.


The above mentioned reason is one of the most important reasons that is hampering the port development. The roads are very narrow for the trucks and lorries to ply.

The roads that are developed now should be of 25 metres width minimum in this part of the city, though land acquisition process is going to be a tough job for the authority.

The coastal marine drive road from Thankasseri - Kollam Beach - Eravipuram, the Thankasseri - Collectorate road as well as the Thankasseri - Kaval - Anchukallumoodu roads should be widened enough for the benefit of the port.

A snap of an old dredger at Thankasseri:

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Pic courtesy - Sheen Austin

The Thenmala dam is poised to become the drinking water source for Kollam city.

The Irrigation Department has already given formal approval to the Kollam City Corporation to draw water from the reservoir of the Thenmala Dam for meeting the city’s drinking water needs.

With this development, the Thenmala Dam, situated 70 km from Kollam city, is poised to replace Sasthamcotta Lake as the prime source of drinking water supply to the city.

The city got approval to draw 65 million litres per day. Minister Mr. Premachandran said “it will be a mega drinking water project of the State.” The Kerala Water Authority will now prepare a detailed project report and submit it to the City Corporation.

The Minister said that as per current estimates, it will be a Rs.130- crore project. The project is to be taken up under the Kerala Sustainable Urban Development Project (KSUDP) which is financially assisted by the Asian Development Bank. One of the prime aims of the KSUDP is water supply improvement.

Mr. Premachandran said that the decision to exploit Thenmala Dam was taken after considering various other options. The Kallada river too was an option, but the project was not found to be practical, he said.

Under the KSUDP project, water will be brought to a suitable location in the city through transmission pipes and then distributed through existing and new overhead tanks.

The advantage of the water from the Thenmala dam is that there will not be any serious shortage at the source, the Minister said.

The city corporation wants the project to be commissioned before the term of the present council ends.

Yes, this proposal is a great boon for the city as well as the district. Till now the city is drawing water only from the largest freshwater lake in Kerala "Shasthancottah Lake".

Moreover, the large volume of good water available at Thenmala can be utilized for the entire district itself.

More projects for Thenmala and Shathancottah should be planned. It should not hamper the sanctity and beauty of these beautiful places as well.

KOLLAM: The Rotary Club of Greater Kollam, in association with Bharat Sanchar Nigam Limited, is organising a seminar on the legacy and future of Kollam, here on Sunday. Papers will be presented by Thengamam Balakrishnan, P. Keshavan Nair, Joseph Antony and George Dcruz.
Courtesy - The Hindu

The NH road development should be at a minimum of 45 meters width. The road width should not be reduced at any cost. There should be a futuristic approach in the roads development. The minister's version of trying to put more pressure on the authorities for more reduction in the proposed 4 -laning of NH-47 and NH-17 road width in the state is like undermining the NH concept itself.

Yes, there should not be any compromise in the width of the National Highway roads. We are badly in need of good and wide roads. It seems like the politicians are yielding to the pressure of some vested interests.

The DYFI is planning a protest march to Kollam Junction Railway station on May 30th in protest against the work delay of Kollam - Punalur BG conversion.

The Railway Passengers Association have performed a protest march to Punalur Railway station in this regard on April 30th.

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Kollam can follow the Kannur model to have a Metro Bus Terminus. It is a classic example of a bus terminus following the Bangalore model bus terminals.

Already 3.5 acres of land is earmarked at the heart of the city at Chinnakkada for this purpose. The authorities are not showing any interest to start the construction work of the bus terminal when Kollam badly needs a good bus terminus. Hope the concerned authorities will implement it soon in the proposed site.

The news came in Mathrubhoomi 4 months back:
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The seminar on Kollam Legacy and Future has proposed that Kollam should become a Human Resource Development Centre. The seminar was organized by the Rotary club of Greater Kollam and BSNL.

Kollam district has a literacy rate of 91%. The population and density of the district is very high. Taking into account of these facts, Kollam should develop into a human resource development centre. The district should be capable to cater enough skilled experts to the world.

The mineral industry in the district can lead it to progress if properly planned.The district should progress in the export of healthcare and ayurvedic medicines as well.

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The traffic in the city is in a aggravated state these days. It takes hours to travel the 2 KM stretch between Kollam Junction Railway Station - Taluk Cutchery Junction.

A long queue of vehicles is a regular scene at the Chinnakkada - Taluk Office stretch and the city trafic police is struggling to control the situation.

Though the Taluk Cutchery - Collectorate Junction road stretch was widened long time back, the Iron bridge that comes in between this stretch is not yet widened. This causes a major traffic block at Taluk Cutcherry and High School junctions.

Since the Municipal Bus stand at Chinnakkada is dismantled for the underpass construction, traffic block is a regular scene there and near to SMP place level cross nearby.

The projects that were started for easing the traffic system in the city are all progressing at a slow pace. They are:

1. Kollam Bypass - 3rd and 4th phase are yet to start. 3rd phase is very crucial to ease the traffic in the heart of the city.

2. Taluk Cutchery - Aashramam Link Road (Marine drive road along the coast od Ashtamudi lake) - Road work progress is going at a very slow pace.

3. Kappalandimukku - Aashramam 4-laning (The work progress is delayed over the tree felling issue at Aashramam)

4. Flyover at SP Office Junction - Work has started recently but progress is very slow.

Moreover, the city lacks a good central bus terminus. A central bus terminus is very essential at Chinnakkada, the heart of the city.
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It is a pity that the projects are getting delayed. They should not fell too many trees as this is one of the most beautiful avenue roads in the city. They should compensate for the tree felling by growing enough saplings on each side of the 4-lane road.

Construction of intake well within reservoir mooted

KOLLAM: Within the next couple of years, the Thenmala Dam will replace the Sasthamcotta fresh water lake as the source for Kollam city’s domestic water needs. Such a project was, in fact, conceived by Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran a year ago.

A feasibility study conducted by the Centre for Water Resources and Management (CWRDM) has found that it is feasible to draw the water requirement of 60 million litres a day (MLD) for Kollam city from the Thenmala reservoir without the level in the reservoir touching the dead storage level.

The report, which has been submitted to the Minister, suggests that an intake well be constructed within the reservoir for the withdrawal of water. But the water so drawn cannot be utilised for power generation at the 15-MW generation unit there, as it is being drawn from the reservoir itself.

Though the Sasthamcotta Lake has the potential to supply 35 MLD to the city, the purification plant attached to the lake has capacity of only 18 MLD. Some additional requirement is met through 35 bore wells in various parts of the city. Even then, there is deficiency of 35 MLD given the per capita consumption of 150 litres.

The CWRDM had conducted the feasibility study for withdrawal of 60 MLD water both from the Ottakkal Weir and the Thenmala Reservoir. The advantage on the withdrawal from the weir would have been that water from the reservoir reaches there after meeting the power generation. But the study says the weir will be in a position to supply 60 MLD only for six months from August to January.

The study also evaluated the dependable storage levels and inflow in the reservoir and assessed the scope for withdrawal to meet the water supply project after meeting the requirement for power generation units. This assessment clearly shows that the reservoir is in a position to adequately meet both requirements throughout the year at 90 per cent reliability.

Water reaching the weir after power generation is regulated for irrigation and also to maintain the flow of the Kallada River to meet the riparian rights and healthy environment of the river system.

The green signal for withdrawal from the reservoir was given on the conclusion that power production will be suspended when the storage level of the reservoir reaches 92 metres. At this level, the actual water storage will be 114 million cubic metres (97 million cubic meters of water over and above the dead storage level of 17 million cubic metres).

At the present reservoir operation scenario, the storage in the reservoir does not reach the dead storage level in any of the 12 monthly intervals in a year. On suspension of power generation, water will be lost only through evaporation. Even then the storage remains at 94 million cubic metres. But the annual requirement for Kollam city at the rate of 60 MLD will only be 21.9 million cubic metres of water.

Hence it is evident that there is sufficient storage in Thenmala reservoir for withdrawal by the Kollam water supply project even during peak summer periods.

Blue Brigade for Kollam


Complaints regarding water supply will be addressed

Round-the-clock service to be offered

Exclusive water supply plan for coastal regions

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Courtesy - The Hindu, Madhyamam dailies

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Courtesy - The Hindu, Madhyamam dailies

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It is really a shocking news to heear that the poor people residing at the banks are hesitant to relocate from these unhygenic location to to the cosy apartments constructed at Mayyanad, Eravipuram and Mudakkara regions which are hardly 4 to 9 Kms away from the city.

There is definitely some politacal and vested intrests involved to scuttle this prestigious 2000 crore project that can connect Kovalam - Kollam - Kottapuram.

The NW-3 up to Kovalam is really important for the development of Kollam Cargo Port as well. There is also a propasal to link the Kollam canal with the Cargo Port, but all depends on the completion of the Kollam canal cleaning and widening.

Kollam citizens should come forward and spoilsport the idea of the ill spirits who are trying to undermine this project.

Construction of intake well within reservoir mooted

KOLLAM: Within the next couple of years, the Thenmala Dam will replace the Sasthamcotta fresh water lake as the source for Kollam city’s domestic water needs. Such a project was, in fact, conceived by Minister for Water Resources N.K. Premachandran a year ago.

A feasibility study conducted by the Centre for Water Resources and Management (CWRDM) has found that it is feasible to draw the water requirement of 60 million litres a day (MLD) for Kollam city from the Thenmala reservoir without the level in the reservoir touching the dead storage level.

The report, which has been submitted to the Minister, suggests that an intake well be constructed within the reservoir for the withdrawal of water. But the water so drawn cannot be utilised for power generation at the 15-MW generation unit there, as it is being drawn from the reservoir itself.

Though the Sasthamcotta Lake has the potential to supply 35 MLD to the city, the purification plant attached to the lake has capacity of only 18 MLD. Some additional requirement is met through 35 bore wells in various parts of the city. Even then, there is deficiency of 35 MLD given the per capita consumption of 150 litres.

The CWRDM had conducted the feasibility study for withdrawal of 60 MLD water both from the Ottakkal Weir and the Thenmala Reservoir. The advantage on the withdrawal from the weir would have been that water from the reservoir reaches there after meeting the power generation. But the study says the weir will be in a position to supply 60 MLD only for six months from August to January.

The study also evaluated the dependable storage levels and inflow in the reservoir and assessed the scope for withdrawal to meet the water supply project after meeting the requirement for power generation units. This assessment clearly shows that the reservoir is in a position to adequately meet both requirements throughout the year at 90 per cent reliability.

Water reaching the weir after power generation is regulated for irrigation and also to maintain the flow of the Kallada River to meet the riparian rights and healthy environment of the river system.

The green signal for withdrawal from the reservoir was given on the conclusion that power production will be suspended when the storage level of the reservoir reaches 92 metres. At this level, the actual water storage will be 114 million cubic metres (97 million cubic meters of water over and above the dead storage level of 17 million cubic metres).

At the present reservoir operation scenario, the storage in the reservoir does not reach the dead storage level in any of the 12 monthly intervals in a year. On suspension of power generation, water will be lost only through evaporation. Even then the storage remains at 94 million cubic metres. But the annual requirement for Kollam city at the rate of 60 MLD will only be 21.9 million cubic metres of water.

Hence it is evident that there is sufficient storage in Thenmala reservoir for withdrawal by the Kollam water supply project even during peak summer periods.


Kudos to NKP. As the Irrigation minister he could implement this prestigious and much needed project for the city as well as the district as soon as possible. :banana:

Flyover across the SP Office junction would be completed in a year

Call for unity for the development of the city and the district

Call for serious measures to revive the lost glory of Kollam

Call to monitor the progress of the development projects in Kollam

Concern over the tardy progress of the Aashramam link road project

Sanction for new bridge across the Kollam canal at Kochupilamoodu

The minister promised that the Aashramam Link road, SP Office Junction Flyover and the Kochupilamoodu Bridge that connects Kollam beach area will be urgently completed for easing the traffic problems in the city. The government has allotted 4 crores for the two phases of Aashramam link road.

The SP Office Flyover work can start only after the completion of Aashramam Link Road as the traffic can be diverted to this route and close the railway gate at SP office Junction. The SP office Flyover is expected to get completed by one year.

The New Kochupilamoodu Bridge under the Inland Water Authority department has got governemnt approval for construction. The Pallithottam Bridge has to be completed before commencing the construction of Kochupilamoodu bridge for traffic reasons.
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The central government has given consent to start 12 ESI Nursing colleges in the state. An ESI Nursing college will start functioning near to the ESI Medical College campus at Paripally next year. The other ESI nursing colleges will be started in phases.

Apart from the ESI Medical college and ESI Nursing college in Kollam district, an ESI Dental college will start functioning at Ezhukone in the district from next year.

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600 crores investment in the initiage stage

First ESI Medical College in India

Classes will start in 2010 and admission for 100 seats

First fully air-conditioned government hospital in India

Construction work will start in 45 days

300 bed hospital in the begining which will upgraded to 500 later

Medical College coming up at 30 acres of land at Paripally in Kollam district

Hindustan Latex got the construction contract

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Kollam Paripally ESI Medical College construction work will start in 45 days

A total of 600 crore investment in the beginning

Admissiion will be purely on merit basis

40% seats reserved for state government and another 40% for central government

20% seats reserved for the children of ESI corporation and ESI Welfare memebers

5 floor Medical blocks will come up in 30 acres at a cost of 400 acres

Another 400 crores will be used for infrastructure and other developments

ESI Nursing college along with the Medical College next year
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The amount allocated for the Kovalam - Kollam - Kottapuram NW-3 development will get lapsed in december if the Kollam TS Canal Rehabilitation issue is not resolved and if work has not started shortly.

An amount to the tune of 2000 crores have been earmarked for this prestigious project which will redefine the Waterway cargo traffic of the state itself.

An amount of 9.25 crores have been allotted by the central government in 2007 for cleansing and dredging the 7.8 KM Paravoor Kayal - Ashtamudi Kayal stretch of Kollam TS canal. This amount has not been utilized due to the protest and other issues and will get lapsed next March.

The Water Sporting Cetre that was started during the UDF tenure with much fan fare near beach in this stretch is also clogged due to dirt and pollution in the canal.

The most prestigious project which may change the Trade and Tourism face of Kollam is facing a major fund lapse if some immedeate steps are not taken by the concerned authorities.

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Three small cranes to be purchased for Kollam Cargo Port operations soon

A bigger crane would be purchased, later

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Kollam Paripally ESI Medical College construction work will start in 45 days

A total of 600 crore investment in the beginning

Admissiion will be purely on merit basis

40% seats reserved for state government and another 40% for central government

20% seats reserved for the children of ESI corporation and ESI Welfare memebers

5 floor Medical blocks will come up in 30 acres at a cost of 400 acres

Another 400 crores will be used for infrastructure and other developments

ESI Nursing college along with the Medical College next year

Really great news that the southern part of the district (Kollam Bypass - Paripally stretch) is going to become the hub of national qaulity educational institutions and a great hub of Healthcare. The ESI Medical college will become the prime centre of healthcare in south Kerala in future.The prestigious institutions that are existing and are coming up in this part of the district are:

1. Medi City - Travencore Medical College Hospital,Thattamala, Kollam

2. Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam, Kollam

3. Azeezia Medical College Hospital, Meeyanoor, Kollam

4. ESI Medical college, Paripally, Kollam (Next year)

5. Co-Operative Hospital, Decent Jn, Kollam

6. ESI Dental college, Paripally, Kollam (Coming up next year)

7. MES Engineering and Management Institutes at Chathanoor, Kollam (Proposed)

8. Sree Narayana Institute of Technology, Thattamala, Kollam

9. SN Public School, Thatamala, Kollam - One of the best CBSE schools in Kollam

10. Oxford School, Mylapore, Kollam - The fully air-conditioned school in Kollam

11. SN College Chathanoor, Kollam

12. Mannam Memorial NSS College, Kottiyam, Kollam

13. SN Polytechnic, Kottiyam, Kollam

14. Amritha institures at Pariplly, Kollam

15. N.S Memorial Nursing School, Thattamala, Kollam

All these institutions are located at the southern side of the district - to be precise - outside the city limits at a radius of 10 - 18 KMs. Kollam Bypass can become a corridor for IT companies and Academic institutions of the district in future after the Bypass gets completed.

This is a great begining as the concept of Kollam - Trivandrum corridor is getting more momentum.

Three small cranes to be purchased for Kollam Cargo Port operations soon

A bigger crane would be purchased, later

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I do not know why CPT's consent and recogonistion is required for the Ports functioning!!! Actually these trusts are the vested interests trying to undermine the port development.

I do not know why CPT's consent and recogonistion is required for the Ports functioning!!! Actually these trusts are the vested interests trying to undermine the port development.

The port is not operational due to the lack of infrastructure like cranes, Warehouse facilities and lack of good and wide roads connecting the cargo port. As the minister has pointed out, 3 cranes and a big one will be purchased shortly. The widening of the city roads linking the port should be completed fast. I do not think anybody can hamper the development of this port that is inevitable for the development of this region. It will become a reality, but just taking time due to the cold storage attitude of the authorities and the politicians. The people of Kollam are just waiting to see ships flocking towards Kollam for import and export of Cashew, minerals, coir, cement and timber. This reduce the tranportation cost in the cashew, coir and mineral sector. Moreover, cement prices will come down steeply in this region once it is imported here directly.

All the approvals from the concerned departments have been received, it is just a matter of enhancing the infrastructure for big ships to dock.

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Courtesy - The Hindu dated November 22, 2007

The TSD Sindhuraj that called at Kollam Port later:

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Coutesty - (Mervin) Malayalam Padam

The project for drawing water from Thenmala to Kollam city will be completed within 2 years, the minister told reporters in Kollam.

This will be in addition to the water that is drawn to the city from Shasthancotta lake - the biggest fresh water lake in Kerala.

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The project for drawing water from Thenmala to Kollam city will be completed within 2 years, the minister told reporters in Kollam.

This will be in addition to the water that is drawn to the city from Shasthancotta lake - the biggest fresh water lake in Kerala.



Reghu, there are people to scuttle this project as well. The Punalur MLA K. Raju and his followers are campaigning against this project saying they will not allow the project to go on without proper research and study. It is a pity that there are opposition to whatever projects coming up...I do not know when our place will develop???:bash::bash::bash:

Really great news that the southern part of the district (Kollam Bypass - Paripally stretch) is going to become the hub of national qaulity educational institutions and a great hub of Healthcare. The ESI Medical college will become the prime centre of healthcare in south Kerala in future.The prestigious institutions that are existing and are coming up in this part of the district are:

1. Medi City - Travencore Medical College Hospital,Thattamala, Kollam

2. Holy Cross Hospital, Kottiyam, Kollam

3. Azeezia Medical College Hospital, Meeyanoor, Kollam

4. ESI Medical college, Paripally, Kollam (Next year)

5. Co-Operative Hospital, Decent Jn, Kollam

6. ESI Dental college, Paripally, Kollam (Coming up next year)

7. MES Engineering and Management Institutes at Chathanoor, Kollam (Proposed)

8. Sree Narayana Institute of Technology, Thattamala, Kollam

9. SN Public School, Thatamala, Kollam - One of the best CBSE schools in Kollam

10. Oxford School, Mylapore, Kollam - The fully air-conditioned school in Kollam

11. SN College Chathanoor, Kollam

12. Mannam Memorial NSS College, Kottiyam, Kollam

13. SN Polytechnic, Kottiyam, Kollam

14. Amritha institures at Pariplly, Kollam

15. N.S Memorial Nursing School, Thattamala, Kollam

All these institutions are located at the southern side of the district - to be precise - outside the city limits at a radius of 10 - 18 KMs. Kollam Bypass can become a corridor for IT companies and Academic institutions of the district in future after the Bypass gets completed.

This is a great begining as the concept of Kollam - Trivandrum corridor is getting more momentum.

Yaar, one more institution to come up in this stretch. SNDP is starting an engineering college in Kollam which is coming in the same stretch.:banana:

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The SNDP Yogam is planning to start nine engineering colleges. The first engineering college - christened Sree Vellappally Natesan College of Engineering (SVNCE) - will begin functioning at Kattachira, Mavelikkara, in Alappuzha district, this academic year under the Sree Gurudeva Charitable and Educational Trust, Trust chairman Thushar Vellappally told a press conference here.

The engineering colleges will come up at Kottayam, Adoor, Kollam, Cherthala, Thrissur, Kilimanoor in Thiruvananthapuram, Perumbavoor and Palakkad, he said.

The colleges will not be under the direct administration of the SNDP Yogam. The Yogam had taken a decision to start professional colleges at a recent meeting held in Munnar.

“Each college will be under a separate trust formed for the purpose. We’ve purchased land for the other eight colleges and construction of the buildings is on,” Thushar Vellappally said. The college in Kollam - which will come up between Kollam city and Chathannoor - will be named after R Shankar.

SVNCE will be opened this year and will offer BTech courses in mechanical and civil engineering, computer science and electronics and communication engineering. SVNCE has been granted Letter of Intent by the All-India Council of Technical Education and will start functioning after formal approval is given by the AICTE, Kerala University and the State Government, he said.

Admission will be on a 50:50 ratio, and the trust plans to provide free education to a few students in the management quota.

SNDP has planned the R Shankar Medical college in Kollam.3 As per SNDP authorities, the current SN college in the city will be shifted to Chathanoor and the Medical college will come up in that place in the city.

But there is opposition among the old alumini VIP's as well as some section of the SNDP's members to shift the 61 year old SN college from the existing place. The SNDP is finding it really hard to get space inside the city.

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The amount allocated for the rehabilitation process will lapse in December 2009, if not utilized properly.

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The organization which is opposing the rehabilitation has changed their stance and demanded 3 cents of land with independent houses for each family instead of the newly constructed 2 storeyed apartments in Mayyanad, Muthakkara and Eravipuram. They are ready to vacate if these conditions are met by the authorities.

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A mass rally was organized by the Kollam Development Council at Chinnakkada.The council has urged the public to support the rehabiltation process and expedite it as soon as possible for the overall development of the city and the region.

The Kollam Bishop said the rehabilitation process should happen without hurting anyone.He said the development of the coastal area of the city takes a back seat regarding basic infrastructure like good roads, transportation, drinking water and hygeine. He said all should come forward and support the city's development initiatives to regain its past glory.

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The former minister Mr. Kadavoor Sivadasan has urged the government to expedite the Kollam - Kovalam National Waterway development works. The delay in the work progress of the waterway will hamper the tourism and cargo transport development projects of this region.
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The Kollam MLA and minister PK Gurudasan realized that the inaugration of the Kollam Port one and a half years ago was a little premature and it should have happend after facilitating all the basic infrastructure and amenities. The Cargo port had not received the custom authority's approval during the inaugration time.

He said the initaitive is to make the Kollam Port as a medium port in the begining. He said a contract will be signed for 2.72 crores with Maritime corporation for purchasing 3 small cranes and a big one shortly.He also said that the the 4-laning of the roads to the western side of the port and the wharf extension have received funds. The 4-laning of road to the eastern side of the port is seeking the approval.
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The UDF candidate N Peethambara Kuruppu had promised the following for Kollam in his manifesto:

1. IT hub and a global standard Techno City at Kollam
2. Develop Kollam as a centre of higher education
3. Sainik School at Kollam
4. Cashew Board at Kollam shortly. Global attention for the industry with research facilities
5. More thrust to Tourism, coir and fisheries.
6. More Flyovers and overbridges at relevant junctions
7. More studies to tap the tourism potential of Ashtamudi and Beach Tourism
8.More focus and development for Kollam Cargo Port
9. Cold storage facilities at Neendakara for marine products
10. District hospital to be given a facelift by giving Medical College status
11. Kollam TS canal will be cleaned
12. Kollam Flyover and Bypass will be completed within a short period of time
13. Commercialization of coir industry with major focus at Chavara, Koivila and Thevalakkara
14. Adivasi rehabilitation centres at Punalur and Achen Kovil

He also promised that the Kollam Cargo Port development and the Kollam Bypass completion will be prime development initiatives that will be taken into account first.

All the best for Peethambara Kuruppu. We want you to fulfill these promises. Kollam definetely is looking at you for a new era of development and glory.:banana:

The piling works of the SP Office flyover is in progress. The piling work of the bridge that is constructed by the railways is in the final stage.

The alignment roads will be constructed by the PWD, but the tender is not completed yet.
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Works have already begun for the district IT parks at Kollam, Trissur and Alappuzha. As part of the state government's IT policy, IT parks will be set up in all 14 districts of Kerala.

According to the latest figures provided by the state-run Software Technology Parks India (STPI), software exports from Kerala has grown 43.41 percent to Rs.2,300 crore till February-end of last fiscal. In 2007-08, the total software exports from Kerala stood at Rs.1,750 crore.

Source - Economic Times

HI Reghu,.. any idea abt the design of this flyover,.. not seen this design anywhere,..could u just post them if u have it,..

The UDF candidate N Peethambara Kuruppu had promised the following for Kollam in his manifesto:

1. IT hub and a global standard Techno City at Kollam
2. Develop Kollam as a centre of higher education
3. Sainik School at Kollam
4. Cashew Board at Kollam shortly. Global attention for the industry with research facilities
5. More thrust to Tourism, coir and fisheries.
6. More Flyovers and overbridges at relevant junctions
7. More studies to tap the tourism potential of Ashtamudi and Beach Tourism
8.More focus and development for Kollam Cargo Port
9. Cold storage facilities at Neendakara for marine products
10. District hospital to be given a facelift by giving Medical College status
11. Kollam TS canal will be cleaned
12. Kollam Flyover and Bypass will be completed within a short period of time
13. Commercialization of coir industry with major focus at Chavara, Koivila and Thevalakkara
14. Adivasi rehabilitation centres at Punalur and Achen Kovil

He also promised that the Kollam Cargo Port development and the Kollam Bypass completion will be prime development initiatives that will be taken into account first.

All the best for Peethambara Kuruppu. We want you to fulfill these promises. Kollam definetely is looking at you for a new era of development and glory.:banana:

Congrats to Peethambara Kuruppu. The Kollam Cargo Port infrastructure development, Kollam Bypass completion, Kollam Cashew Board formation and Ashtamudi Lake Tourism Development should be the priority in his agenda. Besides, he should give thrust for the Kollam railway station development, BG conversion and IT corridor between Kollam and Trivandrum. All the best for Kuruppu.

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HI Reghu,.. any idea abt the design of this flyover,.. not seen this design anywhere,..could u just post them if u have it,..

Garnet, I have seen the sketch of the flyover in Malayala Manorama Kollam edition some 3 years before. The sketch is not currently available, though I made a through search in the Internet. I will definitely post the sketch if I come accross it. But I can give an idea about the sketch.

The flyover starts from the SP office junction road and crosses the railway gate and goes over the Nehru Park towards the SN College side. The flyover will bifurcate into two over the Nehru Park with one side joining the NH-47 side that goes to the SN college side near Cantontment Maidan and the other side joins the NH-47 that comes to Nehru Park side parallel to the railway line.

The government has mooted the idea of constituting City Police Commissioner posts in Kollam and Trichur corporations. The commssioner posts are held by DIG ranked police officials. The Kollam SP Ajith Kumar has been elevated to DIG rank. He will be in Kollam office for a temporary period till the election procedures are over.

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The government has mooted the idea of constituting City Police Commissioner posts in Kollam and Trichur corporations. The commssioner posts are held by DIG ranked police officials. The Kollam SP Ajith Kumar has been elevated to DIG rank. He will be in Kollam office for a temporary period till the election procedures are over.


The government had the idea of constituting City Police Commissioners in Kollam and Trissur in 2006 itself but not carried forwarded that idea. I think both the cities should have city police commissioners. The rural SP should be posted at Kottarakkara as Kottarkara is a central location of the district's populated area.^^

The government had the idea of constituting City Police Commissioners in Kollam and Trissur in 2006 itself but not carried forwarded that idea. I think both the cities should have city police commissioners. The rural SP should be posted at Kottarakkara as Kottarkara is a central location of the district's populated area.^^

Yaar, he will most probably be the first city police commissioner of Kollam according to reports:banana:.
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The Punalur MLA demanded more study for the water drawing project from Thenmala dam to Kollam corporation. He said the project will affect the existing water supply in Punalur and adjoining areas.

The new project is mooted by NK Premachandran, the irrigation minister which can fulfill the water demands of Kollam city as it is fully dependant on Shasthancottah lake. The new argument looms gloom over the project.

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The central agency is inspecting the various National Games venues at Kollam city for the 2010 National Games. They are visiting the venues for the proposed Indoor Stadium near to LBS stadium, Hockey stadium at Aashramam and Sport Authority of India's (SAI) Sports Training Centre (STC) at Kollam. The group is expected to reach Kollam by 4 PM, Thursday, May 21, 2009.

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Construction activities at the new IT parks at Ambalappuzha, Cherthala, Koratti and Kundara too would begin during the course of this financial year. At Koratti, the works will begin in October.

Mr Achuthanandan said the growth of IT industry in the State was above the average growth at the national level. Against an all-India growth of 17 per cent, the IT industry grew by 45 per cent in Kerala in 2008-09.

The Kerala Tourism will receive financial assistance of Rs 5.38 crore from the Union Tourism Ministry for the development of ‘Ashtamudi Lake Cruise Circuit’ in Kollam district.

The idea behind the creation of the Ashtamudi Lake circuit is to take some of the pressure off Kerala’s popular backwater destinations such as Alappuzha and Kumarakom.

Over the past few years, various tourism industry stakeholders have expressed concern that destinations such as Kumarakom and Alappuzha have become rather crowded and have excess capacity in segments such as houseboats. The Ashtamudi circuit is expected to address some of these issues of excess capacity and overcrowding.

In many ways, the Ashtamudi circuit experience will be similar to the backwaters experience that tourists enjoy in Alappuzha and Kumarakom, but it will also be different.

The Ashtamudi circuit is to be developed around Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district.

Infrastructure

The Rs 5.38-crore assistance from the Union Tourism Ministry will be invested in various infrastructure projects required for the Ashtamudi circuit.

The idea behind this is to have infrastructure such as houseboat terminals and boat jetties in place before the tourist inflows start going up.

The Water Authority and KSEB are also concernd about the proposed Water drawing project from Thenmala dam to Kollam city. They believe the project may not profit them.

There are also security concerns for the legislative members of the region regarding the project.

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The construction work of the break waters at the Paravur coastal region is in progress. The construction of 8 break waters are in the final stage out of the 10. The breakwaters will help the reconstruction of the Kollam - Punalur coastal road. The 10 breakwaters are coming up at a distance of 150 to 250 metres intermittant.

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The Safety commissioner has given the consent for the gauge conversion works at Punalur Railway station. The BG conversion work was delayed due to the delay in getting the consent. The meter gauge trains from the Schencotta side will enter the station in the new laid tracks.

The authority has said that the braud gauge tracks and platform works will be expedited. Trains from the Schencotta side still arrive at Punalur station and the new tracks are mainly for the trains from that side.

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The prospect of developing 5 national highways in Kerala into 2 lanes blossoms. The authority has ordered a study regarding this. The National Highways 220, 208, 49, 212 and 213 is expected to be widened to 2 lanes. A total of 500 Kms will be widened and renovated as per the project.

The National Highways NH 208 (Kollam - Schenkotta) and NH 220 (Kollam - Theni) originates from Kollam. ^^

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Row over merger of bodies for creation of the board.

Some lobbies are reportedly hindering the setting up of a cashew development board (CDB) before the new Union Council of Ministers assume office, and they are alleged to have managed to make the Planning Commission to come out against the proposal on May 4.

The Planning Commission in its letter No. N-14071/2/2009 -PAMD dated May 4 addressed to Mr Sudhir Garg, Director, Department of Commerce, has said: "This proposal cannot be considered by the Commission. I gather from memo that the consent of the Ministry of Agriculture has not been obtained for merger of DCCD (Directorate of Cashew and Cocoa Development) with Cashew Export Promotion Council (CEPC)." The Planning Commission, which is said to have agreed to the setting up of the Cashew Development Board earlier, has now come out saying, "in Planning Commission's view merging of a directorate (DCCD), which is a government department outfit, and a council (CEPC), which is an autonomous organisation (not paid from the consolidated fund), is not possible". The Commission has, therefore, suggested that for creating Cashew Board by merging CEPC with DCCD an inter-departmental meeting involving Department of Commerce and Ministry of Agriculture may be held. "In case a consensus does not emerge, then this matter could be taken to the Committee of Secretaries."

Mixed views

The Union Commerce Ministry has, in fact, been trying to create a cashew development board on almost similar lines of other commodities boards, such as for rubber, coir, coconut, coffee, tea and so on, and the only opposition was from the Ministries of Agriculture and Finance at the later stage.
"The Ministry of Finance says it has no money for the Board, while the Agriculture Ministry wants the cashew sector under the National Horticulture Mission (NHM)," Mr G.K. Pillai, Union Commerce Secretary, told Business Line early this year.

The Commerce Ministry is interested in setting up of the Board considering the importance of the crop, which is an input for the export processing industry, providing employment to around five lakh workers mostly women in the rural areas, he said.

The export earnings range between Rs 2,500 and Rs 2,800 crore a year. Given its importance as a major cash crop, with high potential for diversification and commercialisation, its development in a comprehensive manner is inevitable, he said. "When the other crops/commodities can have Boards why can't cashew," he asked. Fully realising its importance, the Planning Commission has already approved the creation of a Cashew Development Board, Mr Pillai pointed out.

According to official sources, the Planning Commission's latest finding now that CEPC is an autonomous organisation needs to be read along with the fact that the Council (a no-loss no-profit organisation limited by guarantee, registered under Section 25 of Indian Companies Act) was established by the Union Government on August 17, 1955, with active co-operation of the cashew industry to promote exports of cashew and allied products from India.

Export promotion schemes

The Centre has been allocating huge funds under export promotion schemes for implementation through the CEPC during each five-year plan. The allocation for the Eleventh Plan is Rs 19.36 crore. Besides, the Union Commerce Ministry under Assistance to States for Developing of Export Infrastructure and Allied Activities (ASIDE) scheme has financed the construction of CEPC Laboratory and R&D centre at Kollam at an estimated cost of Rs 6.06 crore from the Central Component Fund.

Considering the flow of public money into "autonomous bodies allegedly controlled by vested interests" might have compelled the Union Commerce Ministry, the fund provider, to bring it under a Commodity Board to ensure proper monitoring of the fund utilisation, and to ensure transparency in all its activities, said the official sources in Union Agriculture Ministry.

In fact, creation of a Board was initiated after a Committee of Ministers had agreed in principle earlier aimed at achieving self-sufficiency in cashew production, taking research findings to the farmers' field, improving quality of products, processing, marketing and exports, they said.

Creation of the board is unlikely to entail any huge expenditure on the part of the Centre, as it has been proposed to be created by merging the Cashew Development Directorate under the Union Ministry of Agriculture, Cashew Export Promotion Council and its technical division and laboratory supported by the Commerce Ministry. Currently, the Kochi-based Directorate with a mandate to implement certain schemes apart from monitoring the implementation of some of the schemes by State governments is functioning with 50 per cent staff strength.

It is evident from the slow pace of progress achieved in cashew cultivation, even after spending hundreds of crores of rupees in several five-year Plans, that systematic cultivation using scientific methods is still lacking in this sector for want of proper co-ordination and extension services, a growers group said.

Recommendations

Given this situation, official sources said that department-related Standing Parliamentary Committees on Commerce in their 42nd, 46th, 50th, 58th, 65th, 70th and 77th reports recommended formation of a Cashew Board. Others who had made such recommendations are department related Standing Parliamentary Committee on Agriculture; raw nut Committee of Ministry of Commerce in 1960s; Indian Cashewnut Development Council (ICDC) during its functioning period from 1966-1986, in which, the DCCD was functioning as its Secretariat.

Besides, the Indian Institute of Foreign Trade, in its study report on Indian Cashew Industry conducted as part of World Bank aided Multi-state Cashew Project (MSCP) during the period from 1981-86, also recommended the setting up of the Board. Another premier institute which had recommended its creation was the Indian Institute of Management, Calcutta, in its report on evaluation of cashew development programmes sponsored by the DCCD. Despite all these recommendations and reports, formation of a unified agency for cashew so far remained a non-starter. "The attitude by certain Ministries in this matter under the pretext of economy in expenditure carry little weight in comparison to the revenue and employment this sector generates," they added.

Courtesy - Business Line

The prospect of developing 5 national highways in Kerala into 2 lanes blossoms. The authority has ordered a study regarding this. The National Highways 220, 208, 49, 212 and 213 is expected to be widened to 2 lanes. A total of 500 Kms will be widened and renovated as per the project.

The National Highways NH 208 (Kollam - Schenkotta) and NH 220 (Kollam - Theni) originates from Kollam. ^^


Reghu, the NH 208 should be developed as a 4-laner as it is the most important road after NH-47 and NH-17.

The Kerala Tourism will receive financial assistance of Rs 5.38 crore from the Union Tourism Ministry for the development of ‘Ashtamudi Lake Cruise Circuit’ in Kollam district.

The idea behind the creation of the Ashtamudi Lake circuit is to take some of the pressure off Kerala’s popular backwater destinations such as Alappuzha and Kumarakom.

Over the past few years, various tourism industry stakeholders have expressed concern that destinations such as Kumarakom and Alappuzha have become rather crowded and have excess capacity in segments such as houseboats. The Ashtamudi circuit is expected to address some of these issues of excess capacity and overcrowding.

In many ways, the Ashtamudi circuit experience will be similar to the backwaters experience that tourists enjoy in Alappuzha and Kumarakom, but it will also be different.

The Ashtamudi circuit is to be developed around Ashtamudi Lake in Kollam district.

Infrastructure

The Rs 5.38-crore assistance from the Union Tourism Ministry will be invested in various infrastructure projects required for the Ashtamudi circuit.

The idea behind this is to have infrastructure such as houseboat terminals and boat jetties in place before the tourist inflows start going up.

There are rumours that a Kerala MP will become the tourism minister. It can be Kodikkunnil Suresh or KV Thomas. Kollam tourism will get defintely an impetus if Kodikkunnil becomes a minister.^^

The Safety commissioner has given the consent for the gauge conversion works at Punalur Railway station. The BG conversion work was delayed due to the delay in getting the consent. The meter gauge trains from the Schencotta side will enter the station in the new laid tracks.

The authority has said that the braud gauge tracks and platform works will be expedited. Trains from the Schencotta side still arrive at Punalur station and the new tracks are mainly for the trains from that side.


These delays were due to the Tamil lobby at the centre. Now as Mamtha Banerjee becomes the Railway Minister, the BG conversion in the Kollam - Schencotta section will definitely get expedited.

Kollam Junction and Punalur Railway stations should get a face lift before the Kollam - Punalur BG line inaugration.:banana:

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Great news for Kollam. Aashramam area truly desrves it as the lush green plain area of the proposed site is beautifuly located at the Ashtamudi banks. As mentioned by the authorities, there are enough space to have an indoor stadium as well. Besides the authorities can set up training grounds and other infrastructure at these calm and serene greenary location. The advantage of this location is that it is in the heart of the city but away from the city crowd and noise. The nearby Ashtamudi lake can be utilized for the rowing, canowing, Kayaking competition and related sports training.

The prestigious Aashramam Marine Drive link road is passing very near to the proposed location and can become the entering route to this location.

Definitely, Ashramam Tourist Village area will become a Sports Village in future.:banana:

These delays were due to the Tamil lobby at the centre. Now as Mamtha Banerjee becomes the Railway Minister, the BG conversion in the Kollam - Schencotta section will definitely get expedited.

Kollam Junction and Punalur Railway stations should get a face lift before the Kollam - Punalur BG line inaugration.:banana:
But in that case Minister of State for the Railway will be again someone from DMK. So there is no hope for Kerala. They will continue their lobbying.

The Palace Avenue appartments that is coming up at Olayil side can be seen in the back ground.

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Courtesy - DR Manoj

The National Highways 220, 208, 49, 212 and 213 is expected to be widened to 2 lanes. A total of 500 Kms will be widened and renovated as per the project.


I cannot understand what they mean by this. I have driven through all these roads except 213. They are at present two laned ones. Of course, earlier some sections were not having the requisite width of 7.5m, but as of now most sections are bi lane.

NH 47 is also having the same 'carriageway' width in its 2 laned sections, without shoulders.

NH-213 is also in the same condition as you have mentioned. So that simply means there is a project for widening these national highways and some crores of rupees will spend and the rest will be swallowed by some interested parties. There wont be any change. May be after retarring they will put lane markings to show that those roads are now two laned.

NH-213 is also in the same condition as you have mentioned. So that simply means there is a project for widening these national highways and some crores of rupees will spend and the rest will be swallowed by some interested parties. There wont be any change. May be after retarring they will put lane markings to show that those roads are now two laned.

Yes, you are right, Aslesh. Actually these roads should be widened to 4-laners. The NH-208 is a very important national highway that goes parallel with the new Kollam - Punalur BG line. Moreover, this road is one of the important roads that is resorted by the people of Tamil Nadu to commute to Kollam and the southern part of Kerala for business as well during Sabarimala Pilgrim seasons.

All the roads, especially NH-208, should be 4-laned along with NH-47 and NH-17 for which the preliminary work has already started.

The new 3 storied boat terminal that is coming up at the KSRTC bus stand. This new terminal will be jutting towards the water and will be the major boat terminal in Kollam. More boat terminals are planned along the Ashtamudi banks.

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You can see the pillars in the water. The snap was taken last month during the HAM radio association members meet and the leisure trip at Ashtamudi backwaters Kollam.

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Picture Courtesy - DR Manoj

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Picture Courtesy - Albert

^^Reghu, I would request you not to go overboard while using adjectives. Eventhough the Mata Amridandamayi Mutt building ' protrudes above its built environment and changes the overall skyline' I feel it should never be called a skyscraper. It has just managed to be in th 'highrise' category.

We should go with the US & European norms which set the minimum height for being a skyscraper at 150m, that is for a residential building, it should have 50 floors. In India skyscrapers are showing their head out only in Mumbai.

Yes, you are right, Aslesh. Actually these roads should be widened to 4-laners. The NH-208 is a very important national highway that goes parallel with the new Kollam - Punalur BG line. Moreover, this road is one of the important roads that is resorted by the people of Tamil Nadu to commute to Kollam and the southern part of Kerala for business as well during Sabarimala Pilgrim seasons.

All the roads, especially NH-208, should be 4-laned along with NH-47 and NH-17 for which the preliminary work has already started.

We can wish that all roads in Kerala/india should be multi lane divided carriageways. But for a country with resource shortages, there should be priorities.

The roads cited above doesnot have enough PCU (Passenger Car unit) densities to warrant four laning. And except the 213 (Palakkad-Calicut), all roads pass through ghat sections and not in the main trunk routes.

Take the case of Kollam-Punalur-Shencottah-Tirumangalam NH 208 as well as the Kollam-Punalur-Shencottah rail line. There is not enough traffic in this route, otherwise can you imagine the rail line totally shut down for years for gauge conversion?. Can you imagine it in any other sector, say Kollam-TVM or Calicut-Kannur?

I think recently NH 208 was completely closed in some sector close to the border, near S curve for repair works. Normally in busy highways, they do the work in nights or allow one way traffic and do small diversion in the other direction.

Kollam- Punalur road is one of the sectors I have travelled a lot, (my father's place is Kollam and Mother's place is Punalur and relatives in sarrounding/nearby places like Kottarakkara). I have never felt the need for four laning.

And now see some of my snaps of NH 220, (Kollam-Kottarakkara-Kottayam-Kumili). Same thoughts regarding four laning here too.

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There are small stretches like this in NH 49 (Kochi-Madurai), nearing Munnar from TN side, which are yet to be two laned. This is Lock Heart gap, the left side is a valley thousands of feet down. Here you will wish if the road was two lane. In 2003, during my drive to Sterling Resorts, a TNSTC bus and my car were stuck in this narrow road. It is one of the occasions where you really think of God.

Anyway widening this road is already an on going affair, I saw it in 2003, when I last drove in 2006, several stretches were widened in to two lanes by cutting the rock.

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^^Reghu, I would request you not to go overboard while using adjectives. Eventhough the Mata Amridandamayi Mutt building ' protrudes above its built environment and changes the overall skyline' I feel it should never be called a skyscraper. It has just managed to be in th 'highrise' category.

We should go with the US & European norms which set the minimum height for being a skyscraper at 150m, that is for a residential building, it should have 50 floors. In India skyscrapers are showing their head out only in Mumbai.

Yes, Sudheesh. I used the word skyscraper as those tall buildings really looked tall as there are no buildings nearby of that stature. I will be careful in chosing the right word in future.

We can wish that all roads in Kerala/india should be multi lane divided carriageways. But for a country with resource shortages, there should be priorities.

The roads cited above doesnot have enough PCU (Passenger Car unit) densities to warrant four laning. And except the 213 (Palakkad-Calicut), all roads pass through ghat sections and not in the main trunk routes.

Take the case of Kollam-Punalur-Shencottah-Tirumangalam NH 208 as well as the Kollam-Punalur-Shencottah rail line. There is not enough traffic in this route, otherwise can you imagine the rail line totally shut down for years for gauge conversion?. Can you imagine it in any other sector, say Kollam-TVM or Calicut-Kannur?

I think recently NH 208 was completely closed in some sector close to the border, near S curve for repair works. Normally in busy highways, they do the work in nights or allow one way traffic and do small diversion in the other direction.

Kollam- Punalur road is one of the sectors I have travelled a lot, (my father's place is Kollam and Mother's place is Punalur and relatives in sarrounding/nearby places like Kottarakkara). I have never felt the need for four laning.

There are small stretches like this in NH 49 (Kochi-Madurai), nearing Munnar from TN side, which are yet to be two laned. This is Lock Heart gap, the left side is a valley thousands of feet down. Here you will wish if the road was two lane. In 2003, during my drive to Sterling Resorts, a TNSTC bus and my car were stuck in this narrow road. It is one of the occasions where you really think of God.

Anyway widening this road is already an on going affair, I saw it in 2003, when I last drove in 2006, several stretches were widened in to two lanes by cutting the rock.


You are correct regarding the traffic in NH -208 when we compare it with NH-47 between Kollam and Trivandrum. But the traffic in NH-208 especially from Kollam Chinnakkada to Kundara is always heavy during the prime time. I have travelled through this stretch during my college days at TKM college Karicode.

This stretch is going to become more busy once the Kollam bypass 3rd phase is completed. Moreover, lot of educational institutions and hospitals and the upcoming Kollam Techno Park can be reached by this road. The Kundara industrial belt lies on either side of this important road. You can enter the Kollam bypass through this road. Also, you can cut accross to the Anchalumoodu - Kundara state highway from this road. When we take all these facts into account the importance and development of this road is very evident with the upcoming projects in future and the 4-laning is very relevant with necessary land aquisition. The delay in acquiring the land may cost a fortune for the government as time goes by.

The Palace Avenue appartments that is coming up at Olayil side can be seen in the back ground.

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Courtesy - DR Manoj

Elegant scene. The Palace Avenue is overlooking the beautiful Ashtamudi backwaters. The location of this apartment is placed at one of the most convenient sites in the city so that you can enjoy the beautiful scenes of Ashtamudi lake and adjoining areas from the top floors of the apartment itself. The other side of the Ashtamudi banks is Aashrmam which gives a feast for the eyes for the future residents of this apartment with the lush greenary, adventure park, mangrove forest fringing the lake, Tamarind Easy Garden and landscapes and the British Residency. Apart, from these scenes, you will also get a glimpse of the city from the southern side of the apartment.

The new 3 storied boat terminal that is coming up at the KSRTC bus stand. This new terminal will be jutting towards the water and will be the major boat terminal in Kollam. More boat terminals are planned along the Ashtamudi banks.

You can see the pillars in the water. The snap was taken last month during the HAM radio association members leisure trip at Ashtamudi backwaters Kollam.

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Picture Courtesy - DR Manoj

It is unbelievable that the 3 storied boat terminal is becoming a reality in Kollam city. The terminal should depict the Kerala Architecure style rather than a concerete building block projected towards the water. As it is the most important terminal the aesthetics of the terminal should be taken care with importance. More boat terminals of these types should come up at Aashramam side, Thoppil Kadavu, Mangadu, Kundara-Kanjirode, Shakthikulangara, Kureepuzha and Chavara South.

Great news for Kollam. Aashramam area truly desrves it as the lush green plain area of the proposed site is beautifuly located at the Ashtamudi banks. As mentioned by the authorities, there are enough space to have an indoor stadium as well. Besides the authorities can set up training grounds and other infrastructure at these calm and serene greenary location. The advantage of this location is that it is in the heart of the city but away from the city crowd and noise. The nearby Ashtamudi lake can be utilized for the rowing, canowing, Kayaking competition and related sports training.

The prestigious Aashramam Marine Drive link road is passing very near to the proposed location and can become the entering route to this location.

Definitely, Ashramam Tourist Village area will become a Sports Village in future.:banana:

Yes yaar... if everything goes well according to the latest reports, Aashramam Tourist Village surroundings will become a Sports Village in future.

The latest reports say:


An Astro Turf Hockey Stadium of international standards will be constructed by Sports Authority of India at Ashramam. The central youth welfare and sports secratary I. Shrinivas said that the 6 crore investment hockey stadium is expected to be completed before the National Games 2010.



The Hockey Stadium is coming up at 4.60 acres of land that is with the Harbour Engineering department near to the Aashramam KTDC Tamarind Easy hotel. A sports complex including a big hall is also expected to be constructed near the hockey stadium as per the design. This will make Aashramam a sports hub or sports village as the Ashtamudi lake is just a stone's throw away for the water sports activities.



Moreover, it was found out that there is need for more sports hostels in the city for the accomodation of the sports persons who come for the National Games 2010 as the current facilities are not upto the mark. Two sports hostels that can accommodate 100 sports persons each are planned in the project.



The authority also visited the 1.43 acres of land handed over by the sports council near the Lal Bhadur Shastri (LBS) stadium where the new Indoor Stadium for the 2010 National Games is going to come up.



An acquatic swimming pool will be set up for trainining purpose near to the Indoor stadium as per the availability of land there.



The synthetic track laying and the football ground renovation at the LBS stadium is expected to be completed soon by SAI.


Kollam is going to get a fillip as far sports is concerned. All beacuse of National Games 2010. Lets keep our fingures crossed.:banana::banana::banana:
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We can wish that all roads in Kerala/india should be multi lane divided carriageways. But for a country with resource shortages, there should be priorities.

The roads cited above doesnot have enough PCU (Passenger Car unit) densities to warrant four laning. And except the 213 (Palakkad-Calicut), all roads pass through ghat sections and not in the main trunk routes.


Even in NH-213 there are a few hairpins near mannarkad. Its true that these highways doesn't have enough traffic for four laning. But there are a few urban stretches within those highways which needs to be widened more than two lanes. For example kozhikode-koduvally stretch in NH-212 and kozhikode-manjeri stretch in NH-213. At least they should be of the width of those KSTP roads like kuttipuram-thrissur. I am sure there will be similar portions in NH-208 also.

Even in NH-213 there are a few hairpins near mannarkad. Its true that these highways doesn't have enough traffic for four laning. But there are a few urban stretches within those highways which needs to be widened more than two lanes. For example kozhikode-koduvally stretch in NH-212 and kozhikode-manjeri stretch in NH-213. At least they should be of the width of those KSTP roads like kuttipuram-thrissur. I am sure there will be similar portions in NH-208 also.

You are absolutely correct, yaar. The portions of some of these national highways including NH-208 should be 4-laned. Kollam Chinnakkada - Kundara stretch always have heavy traffic as it is inside the city and due to the heavy vehicle traffic including trucks from Tamil Nadu. We know what is the width of the exisiting 4-lane roads in different cities of Kerala. It is disappointing that the so called 4-lane roads in some of our cities does not have even 2-lane widths. Moreover, the upcoming 4-laning of NH-47 that should have a width of 60 metres as per NHAI rules is been cut short by 45 metres due to Kerla's high desnity population as per the version of PWD minister. God knows whether the road will have even 20 metres width ultimately.

The National Highway road passing through Kottarakkara town is planned to be renovated by widening the road.

It is planned to renovate the road from Kottarakkara Ganapathy Temple to Hospital Junction. The roads will be widened to the existing footpaths.
The project includes busbays at Chanthamukku and Hospital junctions. The work is expected to start in a week as per National Highway Department authority.

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You are absolutely correct, yaar. The portions of some of these national highways including NH-208 should be 4-laned. Kollam Chinnakkada - Kundara stretch always have heavy traffic as it is inside the city and due to the heavy vehicle traffic including trucks from Tamil Nadu. We know what is the width of the exisiting 4-lane roads in different cities of Kerala. It is disappointing that the so called 4-lane roads in some of our cities does not have even 2-lane widths. Moreover, the upcoming 4-laning of NH-47 that should have a width of 60 metres as per NHAI rules is been cut short by 45 metres due to Kerla's high desnity population as per the version of PWD minister. God knows whether the road will have even 20 metres width ultimately.

The 4-laning or widening compared to the existing width is very much required for NH-208 atleast from Chinnakkada Junction to the Kollam Bypass junction at Kallunthazham as the existing road is very narrow, not even satisfying the standard for 2-lane roads especially at the curves in the stretch. The four laning of this stretch is required for the development of the city as well as the region.

Even in NH-213 there are a few hairpins near mannarkad. Its true that these highways doesn't have enough traffic for four laning. But there are a few urban stretches within those highways which needs to be widened more than two lanes. For example kozhikode-koduvally stretch in NH-212 and kozhikode-manjeri stretch in NH-213. At least they should be of the width of those KSTP roads like kuttipuram-thrissur. I am sure there will be similar portions in NH-208 also.

Not few, but two - which maked the 'S' bent just before the bridge while we travel from Palakkad side.

You are correct regarding the traffic in NH -208 when we compare it with NH-47 between Kollam and Trivandrum. But the traffic in NH-208 especially from Kollam Chinnakkada to Kundara is always heavy during the prime time. I have travelled through this stretch during my college days at TKM college Karicode.

This stretch is going to become more busy once the Kollam bypass 3rd phase is completed. Moreover, lot of educational institutions and hospitals and the upcoming Kollam Techno Park can be reached by this road. The Kundara industrial belt lies on either side of this important road. You can enter the Kollam bypass through this road. Also, you can cut accross to the Anchalumoodu - Kundara state highway from this road. When we take all these facts into account the importance and development of this road is very evident with the upcoming projects in future and the 4-laning is very relevant with necessary land aquisition. The delay in acquiring the land may cost a fortune for the government as time goes by.


Very true. But is it upto Kundara only? I feel the traffic is a problem atleast upto Kottarakkara.

Sometimes it taken even more than one hour to drive the stretch of 27 km (?) from Kottarakka to Quilon.

We can wish that all roads in Kerala/india should be multi lane divided carriageways. But for a country with resource shortages, there should be priorities.

The roads cited above doesnot have enough PCU (Passenger Car unit) densities to warrant four laning. And except the 213 (Palakkad-Calicut), all roads pass through ghat sections and not in the main trunk routes.

Take the case of Kollam-Punalur-Shencottah-Tirumangalam NH 208 as well as the Kollam-Punalur-Shencottah rail line. There is not enough traffic in this route, otherwise can you imagine the rail line totally shut down for years for gauge conversion?. Can you imagine it in any other sector, say Kollam-TVM or Calicut-Kannur?

I think recently NH 208 was completely closed in some sector close to the border, near S curve for repair works. Normally in busy highways, they do the work in nights or allow one way traffic and do small diversion in the other direction.

Kollam- Punalur road is one of the sectors I have travelled a lot, (my father's place is Kollam and Mother's place is Punalur and relatives in sarrounding/nearby places like Kottarakkara). I have never felt the need for four laning.

And now see some of my snaps of NH 220, (Kollam-Kottarakkara-Kottayam-Kumili). Same thoughts regarding four laning here too.

http://img227.imageshack.us/img227/401/1002869fg2.jpg

http://img182.imageshack.us/img182/351/1002870kj3.jpg

http://img97.imageshack.us/img97/2472/1002871xj4.jpg

There are small stretches like this in NH 49 (Kochi-Madurai), nearing Munnar from TN side, which are yet to be two laned. This is Lock Heart gap, the left side is a valley thousands of feet down. Here you will wish if the road was two lane. In 2003, during my drive to Sterling Resorts, a TNSTC bus and my car were stuck in this narrow road. It is one of the occasions where you really think of God.

Anyway widening this road is already an on going affair, I saw it in 2003, when I last drove in 2006, several stretches were widened in to two lanes by cutting the rock.

http://i41.tinypic.com/ndveq.jpg

Lock Heart Gap is commonly known among the Munnar residents at 'Kaep'. The Taxi drivers (ticket service) of Munnar who drive upto LH Gap always call for passenger by sounding - 'Kaep', 'Kaep' , 'Kaep'. (I mean whenever there is a landslide and the vehilces go upto gap only).

In the late 80s or so one Tamil State Govt bus fell into the deep valley from the 'Kaep'. I think, the valley is located in Bisonvalley Panchayat in Adimali Block Panchayat. To reach this place from Munnar, we have to go via Adimali. Atleast 50 or 60 km by road.

It is a fun in travelling down to Munnar from Devicolam in these taxis. Most of the good old Amby's "drive down" to Munnar in Neautral gear, with their engines OFF. And the speed might be 70 or 80 kph!!. Another breath & heart stopping experience.

Also there is a small cave called "Malayil Kallam Guha". Once upon a time, a thief lived inside this cave and used to loot the travellers who pass this pass.

A similar 'Gap Road' - may be 500 m long is located on the Munnar - Marayur road too. Not even two cars would pass at the same time. Also the soil on the valley side is soft. I had not even thought about God, but even "seen" God many a times while I was working in the Munnar area during the early 90s.

Very true. But is it upto Kundara only? I feel the traffic is a problem atleast upto Kottarakkara.

Sometimes it taken even more than one hour to drive the stretch of 27 km (?) from Kottarakka to Quilon.

Yes.. Jameel Bhai. The road should be widened upto Kottarakkara as Kottarakkara town has grown very fast and is getting suffocated due the traffic and the bottlenecks in the town. Do not forget that the biggest KSRTC bus stand in Kerala is at Kottarakara, thanks to R Balakrishna Pillai. Both the National Highways NH-208 and NH-220 go through this very important central travancore town. Once the Kollam - Punalur BG conversion is over, the traffic in this stretch will be more.

The distance between Kollam and Kottarakkara is 26 KM by rail and 27 KM by road.

A video of the Sardar Vallabhai Patel Police Museum @ Kollam: India's first and only police museum

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Kollam is fortunate to have gone to the annals of history to have the first Police Museum in India. It is an excellent initiative to conserve the architectural heritage of Kerala by adaptive reuse of a hundred year old inn, with four courtyards, which was used as a Police Station, has now become a center of Police History. The Museum exhibits the history of World Police, Indian Police and Kerala Police.

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