Mon Aug 04 23:40:00 UTC 2025: Here’s a summary of the text, followed by a news article rewrite:
**Summary:**
A social impact assessment reveals significant disruptions related to the upcoming development of the Pavangad-Ulliyeri road (National Highway 38) in Kozhikode, Kerala. The project, aimed at widening the road to 14 meters, will require acquiring over 5 hectares of land, impacting numerous homes, businesses, and religious institutions. The existing bridges at Purakkattiri and Eranhikkal will also need widening, with potential suggestions for adding footpaths/cycle tracks for safety. The project is being undertaken by the Kerala Road Fund Board and is currently focused on the Pavangad-Ulliyeri stretch, with the Ulliyeri-Kuttiadi section planned for a second phase.
**News Article:**
**Kerala Road Project to Impact Hundreds as Pavangad-Ulliyeri Road Set for Expansion**
**Kozhikode, Kerala – August 5, 2025** – The development of the Pavangad-Ulliyeri road (National Highway 38) in Kozhikode is poised to bring significant infrastructure improvements, but a recently released social impact assessment reveals that the project will also result in disruption for hundreds of residents and businesses.
The state government has allocated ₹82.36 crore for the project. The Kerala Road Fund Board plan is to widen the 17.192-kilometer road to a two-lane, 14-meter wide thoroughfare. The road is at present quite narrow in the town areas of Atholi and Andikkode and has several dangerous curves.
However, the expansion requires the acquisition of 5.251 hectares of land, affecting at least 20 houses and over 300 establishments. According to the assessment conducted by V.K.Consultancy, Thikkodi, at least nine houses will be completely demolished, and eleven partially demolished. Around 96 commercial establishments will be directly affected, with another 210 partially impacted. The project also entails acquiring land from 53 religious institutions. Nearly 400 vendors and over 100 employees could see their livelihoods affected.
The existing bridges at Purakkattiri and Eranhikkal are also slated for widening, with the report suggesting the inclusion of footpaths or cycle tracks alongside the existing structures to improve safety.
The Pavangad-Ulliyeri stretch is the first phase of the project, part of the broader 43.20-kilometer State Highway 38. The Ulliyeri to Kuttiadi segment will be developed in a subsequent phase.
While the road development promises improved connectivity and traffic flow, the social impact assessment has raised concerns about the potential displacement and economic hardship for affected residents. Authorities have yet to release details on compensation and resettlement plans. Further announcements are expected in the coming weeks as the project moves forward.
First Piper 