Trade bodies oppose cut in width for highways

KOCHI: Several professional, commercial and social organisations have formed a joint platform to voice concern about the move to reduce the width of national highways from 45 metres to 30 metres.

The organisations, including Kerala Management Association, Confederation of Indian Industry, Confederation of Real Estate Developers Association of India (Credai), Kerala Chamber of Commerce and Industry and The Indus Entrepreneurs (TIE) Kerala have urged the State government to retain the width at a minimum of 45 metres.

At a joint press conference here, representatives of the organisations released a study report which focused on the need for a 45-metre highway. The report was prepared by the Centre for Public Policy Research (CPPR), using the data collected from government and other authentic sources.

The consortium of organisations sought to allay fears on the compensation and rehabilitation.