Rights panel attributes Angadipuram bypass holdup to administrative delays

The Kerala State Human Rights Commission has blamed administrative delays and poor coordination among government departments for the prolonged delay in the Oradam Bridge-Manathumangalam bypass project. The project is intended to ease chronic traffic congestion at Angadipuram.

Commission Judicial Member K. Baijunath observed that delays in securing administrative and technical clearances had stalled the project for years, affecting the public’s freedom of movement and timely access to essential services, including emergency medical care. The Commission said the bypass was essential in the larger public interest and for protecting life and property.

It directed the Principal Secretary and Chief Engineer of the Public Works department to coordinate with the Railways and other departments to obtain the remaining clearances, complete land acquisition without delay and implement the project at the earliest.

The Commission also directed the authorities to submit an action taken report within three months. The order was issued on a petition filed by activist Arif Choondayil.