Thiruvananthapuram : The Public Works Department (PWD) has decided to re-tender the refurbishment of the Muttathara-Valiyathura Road, which includes the sections via Kallumoodu and the domestic terminal. This key route, used extensively by passengers traveling from Tamil Nadu to the airport, has been in a pathetic condition for over a year. Despite four previous attempts to tender the project, all bids were deemed unacceptable as they exceeded the estimated cost of Rs 7.
5 crore by 10%. This project is funded by the National Bank for Agriculture and Rural Development (Nabard). PWD chief engineer (roads) Ajith Ramachandran stated that the department will issue a new tender soon, which will be their final attempt to expedite the road’s restoration.
He explained that previous bids were rejected due to their high cost. “We understand the urgency of repairing the Muttathara-Valiyathura Road, given its significance for travellers and local residents. If a bidder’s quote exceeds Rs 7.
5 crore by 10%, the bid will either be rejected or sent to the state cabinet for special approval. This time, if the bids are high again, PWD will send it to the govt for approval, which will not take much time. We expect the reconstruction work will begin within a month of accepting the tender,” Ajith said.
The road’s restoration is crucial and its poor condition has long been a source of inconvenience for commuters, and the PWD’s efforts have been hindered by consistently high bids. Local r.