Sat Mar 08 15:59:03 UTC 2025: ## Kerala Politicians Stage Hunger Strike Over Highway Underpasses
**KOCHI, March 8, 2025** – A hunger strike was held today in Cheranalloor, Kerala, protesting the insufficient number of underpasses along the newly constructed 22-km stretch of National Highway 66 between Edappally and Muthakunnam. The protest, led by MP Hibi Eden, MLA T.J. Vinod, and District Congress Committee president Mohammed Shiyas, criticized the “unscientific construction” of the highway.
The demonstration included a march from various points along the highway and the screening of videos highlighting local concerns previously raised in Parliament and the Kerala Assembly. Several MLAs, community leaders, and religious representatives joined the protest.
Leader of the Opposition V.D. Satheesan accused the state government of ignoring public outcry in its rush to complete the highway project before upcoming Assembly elections. He emphasized the role of the 2013 Right to Fair Compensation and Transparency in Land Acquisition Act in facilitating smooth land acquisition for the project.
The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) countered that the number of underpasses along the highway exceeds the national average. They stated that underpasses are being built every 2-3 kilometers in Kerala, compared to the national average of every 4 kilometers. While additional underpasses were approved based on public demand, NHAI acknowledged that further requests are still being received. The ongoing debate highlights the tension between rapid infrastructure development and addressing the needs of local communities.
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