Kerala Government Approves Rs 6.18 Crore for Long-Awaited HMT Junction Renovation in Kalamassery
In a significant development for urban infrastructure in Kerala, the state government has sanctioned a substantial allocation of Rs 6.18 crore from the Kerala Infrastructure Investment Fund Board (KIIFB) for the much-anticipated renovation of HMT Junction in Kalamassery. The announcement was made by Industries Minister P Rajeeve during a press briefing held in Kochi on Saturday, marking a pivotal step forward in addressing a critical public demand that has persisted for over a decade.
Addressing Traffic Bottlenecks and Improving Connectivity
Minister Rajeeve emphasized that this funding allocation directly responds to longstanding public appeals for infrastructure improvements at the junction. The approval follows the submission and subsequent government endorsement of a detailed project report (DPR) by the concerned authorities. According to the minister, all procedural formalities are expected to be finalized shortly, paving the way for the commencement of redevelopment work.
The primary objective of this renovation project is to alleviate persistent traffic congestion and enhance overall connectivity in the Kalamassery area. The junction has been a notorious bottleneck for commuters, and this initiative aims to transform it into a more efficient and safer transit point, ultimately benefiting both local residents and the broader transportation network in the region.
Additional Development Projects Announced
In the same announcement, Minister Rajeeve revealed two other significant infrastructure and social welfare projects that have received government backing:
- Autism Centre in Kuttikattukara: An allocation of Rs 2.7 crore has been approved for the completion of an autism centre located in the Eloor municipality. This facility is designed to provide comprehensive education, counselling services, and modern training programs that will enable students to showcase their talents and abilities. The minister confirmed that the DPR for this centre has already received government approval, ensuring a streamlined path to completion.
- IIM Kozhikode Off-Campus Centre: The construction of an off-campus centre for the Indian Institute of Management Kozhikode is reportedly nearing its final stages. Situated near the Cusat Metro station, this new campus is anticipated to introduce innovative academic programmes once it becomes fully operational, thereby expanding educational opportunities in the area.
These announcements underscore the Kerala government's commitment to enhancing both physical infrastructure and social services across the state. The combined investments in transportation, education, and healthcare infrastructure reflect a holistic approach to regional development, aiming to improve quality of life and economic prospects for citizens.
