Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer being received at Ponnani on October 5. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
More funds will be allocated for the Ponnani Karma Road project, Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer said after inspecting the road and bridge at Ponnani on Monday (October 5).
The Minister said renovation and beautification works would also be undertaken in the area. K.P. Noushad Ali, MLA, accompanied the Minister.
Navigation issues near the bridge and limited space are the main hurdles to the project. The Minister said construction could begin faster if residents were willing to provide land free of cost.
The government also plans to seek funds under the Central government’s Setu Bandhan scheme for bridge construction as part of national highway development.
Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer talking to people during his visit to the old Juma Masjid at Ponnani on October 5. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
Mr. Basheer said the government would follow the model used for the Bairakuppa bridge on the Karnataka-Kerala border. After discussions with Karnataka leaders and securing a no-objection certificate, funds were obtained from the Centre for the project.
Similar efforts will be made to secure funds for projects at Ponnani and Angadipuram, he said.
The government has also prepared major development projects for key centres in Malappuram district. The proposed outlay is ₹75 crore each for Ponnani, Kottakkal and Manjeri, and ₹100 crore for Malappuram.
Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer visiting Vailathur near Tirur to examine the congestion in the town. | Photo Credit: SAKEER HUSSAIN
The Minister visited Vailathur bazaar near Tirur, which has been facing severe traffic congestion for long time. He said the government allocated ₹13 crore in the first phase for the development of Vailathur town and the construction of the Ponmundam-Ovungal bypass to ease traffic congestion.
PWD will provide additional funds required after the land acquisition process is completed, he said.
The department will also prepare estimates for compensating landowners for damage to buildings and other property acquired for the project. Mr. Basheer directed the PWD road division executive engineer to prepare a detailed project report and submit it for administrative approval.
A team from the PWD city improvement committee, including M. Shajahan and V.R. Vinod, will visit Vailathur on October 14 and submit recommendations for the town’s redevelopment.
Published - October 05, 2026 09:19 pm IST