The revised design removes obstructions for Pavangad ROB approach road

KSEB indicating presence of 110 KV underground cable. Representative image. | Photo credit: The Hindu

Construction of the approach road to the Pavangad-Puthiyappa Rail Overhead (Pavangad ROB) is set to resume after the Roads and Bridges Development Corporation of Kerala (RBDCK) approved a revised proposal to overcome the hurdle posed by underground power cables.

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) issued a notice to the Public Works Department (PWD) ordering it to stop the hoarding after 110kV and 11kV underground power cables were found passing through the site where the access road was being constructed. The cables were detected during test piloting.

KSEB initially proposed to move about 350 meters of cables from the construction site to the service road. The relocation was estimated to cost around ₹5.5 million, which created a significant additional financial burden and made it difficult to complete the driveway using the funds already approved.

RBDCK subsequently explored an alternative to avoid moving the 110kV cable. As part of the revised design, the number of piles will be increased in places where the high-voltage cable passes under the proposed access road. At four locations, the number of piles will be increased from three to four, allowing construction to continue without damaging the underground cable.

The revised design also reduces the length of cable that needs to be moved, reducing additional costs. The RBDCK approved the construction modification enabling the construction of an access road within the existing allocation.

However, the 11 kV cable will have to be relocated. KSEB submitted an estimate of ₹ 38 lakh to RBDCK for shifting the cable. Construction work is expected to begin after OZP issues the required approval.

Pavangad ROB was constructed 11 years ago at a cost of around ₹5.7 crore. However, it remained unusable without a driveway. The state government had sanctioned ₹12.82 crore for the construction of the approach road more than a year ago.

Published – 13 Sep 2026 15:24 IST