Thiruvananthapuram is the proposed site
The Kerala Cricket Association (KCA) has decided to establish an international cricket stadium in Thiruvananthapuram. The identified sites were located in Kazhakoottamand Kudapanakkunnu, near to the proposed Collectorate. The stadium will be built with the help of the State Government and Capital Development Forum.
SK Nair, the president of the Kerala Cricket Association, said two possible locations to establish the stadium, with all modern facilities, have been identified and a proposal to get the required land on a long-term lease would be submitted to the government soon.
KCA's bid to construct its own international stadium was also one of the main goals of its `Vision 2010' project. Also, considering the costs involved in the development of infrastructure and the establishment of the District Coaching Centres and two Rural Coaching Centres in each of the 14 districts in the State, the KCA decided to increase the budget for the project from Rs 5 crore (US$1.75 million approx) to Rs. 7.5 crore (US$1.62 million approx).
Monday, July 31, 2006
Monday, July 24, 2006
Shashi Tharoor - Indian U.N. candidate get help
UNITED NATIONS - The South Korean and Indian candidates for the next U.N. secretary-general got a boost Monday when most members of the Security Council encouraged them to stay in the race.
The other two candidates from Sri Lanka and Thailand have not formally announced their desire to succeed Secretary-General Kofi Annan' name and did not do as well in an informal poll of the 15 Security Council nations. The results were obtained by The Associated Press.
The secret poll only gives the faintest indication of how the two top vote-getters — South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon and India's Shashi Tharoor, U.N. undersecretary-general or public affairs — might fare in formal elections later this year.
Candidates can come forward until the last minute, and the final vote is not expected until the fall. A "no" vote from one of the five veto-wielding permanent Security Council members can sink a candidacy.
In Tuesday's informal poll, the 15 council nations checked one of three boxes for each candidate : "Encourage," "discourage," and "no opinion."No candidate got 15 encouraging votes, meaning that any of the five permanent council members could have voted against the two best performers.
Ban did the best, with 12 council nations encouraging him to run, one discouraging him and two giving no opinion.
Tharoor was next, with 10 votes of encouragement, two of discouragement and three giving no opinion."Considering I've entered the race just a month ago and am the only candidate who has not visited all 15 capitals, I'm gratified to have received such a broad base of support in the Council," Tharoor said in an e-mail.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai got seven votes of encouragement, three against, and five of no opinion.The worst performer was former U.N. disarmament chief Jayantha Dhanapala, who only got five votes of encouragement. Six council nations discouraged him and four expressed no opinion.
Most diplomats generally agree that the next secretary-general should come from Asia, part of a tradition to rotate the job between regions. The U.N. chief can serve two five-year terms.
Response has been tepid so far for the four announced candidates. Some diplomats say the person who will become the eighth secretary-general in the United Nations' name 60-year history has likely not emerged yet.
Other possible candidates include Kemal Dervis, the Turkish chief of the U.N. Development Program; Jordan's Prince Zeid al-Hussein, who is his country's U.N. ambassador; and Goh Chok Tong, former prime minister of Singapore.
In the past, those who ultimately became secretary-general emerged late in the process or hardly even campaigned for the job. That is partly because candidates become the object of intense diplomatic haggling between the five permanent members of the council — Britain, China, France, Russia and the U.S.
There was no immediate announcement that any candidate had dropped out.
The other two candidates from Sri Lanka and Thailand have not formally announced their desire to succeed Secretary-General Kofi Annan' name and did not do as well in an informal poll of the 15 Security Council nations. The results were obtained by The Associated Press.
The secret poll only gives the faintest indication of how the two top vote-getters — South Korean Foreign Minister Ban Ki-moon and India's Shashi Tharoor, U.N. undersecretary-general or public affairs — might fare in formal elections later this year.
Candidates can come forward until the last minute, and the final vote is not expected until the fall. A "no" vote from one of the five veto-wielding permanent Security Council members can sink a candidacy.
In Tuesday's informal poll, the 15 council nations checked one of three boxes for each candidate : "Encourage," "discourage," and "no opinion."No candidate got 15 encouraging votes, meaning that any of the five permanent council members could have voted against the two best performers.
Ban did the best, with 12 council nations encouraging him to run, one discouraging him and two giving no opinion.
Tharoor was next, with 10 votes of encouragement, two of discouragement and three giving no opinion."Considering I've entered the race just a month ago and am the only candidate who has not visited all 15 capitals, I'm gratified to have received such a broad base of support in the Council," Tharoor said in an e-mail.
Thailand's Deputy Prime Minister Surakiart Sathirathai got seven votes of encouragement, three against, and five of no opinion.The worst performer was former U.N. disarmament chief Jayantha Dhanapala, who only got five votes of encouragement. Six council nations discouraged him and four expressed no opinion.
Most diplomats generally agree that the next secretary-general should come from Asia, part of a tradition to rotate the job between regions. The U.N. chief can serve two five-year terms.
Response has been tepid so far for the four announced candidates. Some diplomats say the person who will become the eighth secretary-general in the United Nations' name 60-year history has likely not emerged yet.
Other possible candidates include Kemal Dervis, the Turkish chief of the U.N. Development Program; Jordan's Prince Zeid al-Hussein, who is his country's U.N. ambassador; and Goh Chok Tong, former prime minister of Singapore.
In the past, those who ultimately became secretary-general emerged late in the process or hardly even campaigned for the job. That is partly because candidates become the object of intense diplomatic haggling between the five permanent members of the council — Britain, China, France, Russia and the U.S.
There was no immediate announcement that any candidate had dropped out.
Sunday, July 23, 2006
Rappai Phobia
Hoteliers in Thrissur can now run their business without the Rappai-phobia. They used to pull their shutters once they saw the slow-moving shadow of Rappai.
The man in question is not a goon or a food-inspector but a voracious eater. From one hundred idlis to a just dozen, from two buckets full of rice to a plateful -- doctors have finally doused the fire in Rappai’s belly.
Relieved, many hoteliers are planning to restart all-you-can-eat buffets, stopped ever since Rappai invaded the area. Theeta (monstrous eater), as he’s popularly known in Kerala, won’t be there to tongue-polish their plates. After his week-long hospitalisation, doctors have advised the eating sensation to cut down his food intake or be ready for serious health problems.
The police are also happy with the new development. On several occasions, the cops had to intervene to rein in the monstrous eater. Once college students took sweet revenge on a restaurateur with Rappai’s help. He took an “unlimited meals” coupon and emptied the day’s food -- three buckets full of rice, one bucket of fish curry and 10 kg cooked meat -- in no time. Finally, law-enforcers had to be called in to end his sumptuous feast.
A regular at eating competitions, he ate 700 idils in one sitting in Kasargod and gobbled up 10 kg halwa in 10 minutes in Thalasserry, records are aplenty. His story attracted global media’s attention and some international magazines covered his story.
Though Rappai developed his massive appetite at a very young age, the 64-year-old never thought that his jumbo belly would shrink so fast. Two weeks ago, a severe tummy ache forced him to consult doctors.
The man in question is not a goon or a food-inspector but a voracious eater. From one hundred idlis to a just dozen, from two buckets full of rice to a plateful -- doctors have finally doused the fire in Rappai’s belly.
Relieved, many hoteliers are planning to restart all-you-can-eat buffets, stopped ever since Rappai invaded the area. Theeta (monstrous eater), as he’s popularly known in Kerala, won’t be there to tongue-polish their plates. After his week-long hospitalisation, doctors have advised the eating sensation to cut down his food intake or be ready for serious health problems.
The police are also happy with the new development. On several occasions, the cops had to intervene to rein in the monstrous eater. Once college students took sweet revenge on a restaurateur with Rappai’s help. He took an “unlimited meals” coupon and emptied the day’s food -- three buckets full of rice, one bucket of fish curry and 10 kg cooked meat -- in no time. Finally, law-enforcers had to be called in to end his sumptuous feast.
A regular at eating competitions, he ate 700 idils in one sitting in Kasargod and gobbled up 10 kg halwa in 10 minutes in Thalasserry, records are aplenty. His story attracted global media’s attention and some international magazines covered his story.
Though Rappai developed his massive appetite at a very young age, the 64-year-old never thought that his jumbo belly would shrink so fast. Two weeks ago, a severe tummy ache forced him to consult doctors.
Friday, July 21, 2006
More on Las Vegas
Las Vegas is the place which I like. It is about 12 hr car ride or a 1.5 hr flight from Bayarea. The City is beautiful with lots of tourists, great hotels. good restaurants,
and great food. The only drawback that I see is the hot weather but ofcourse you rarely go out of the casinos and hotels if you are a tourist.
The Strip is a world of its own. Where else can you go to visit Egypt, New York, the Tropics, King and Queens, Rome/Greece, Hollywood, and much more all on one street? This is the street of lights, excitement, and dreams. Some dreams come true becoming great successes and others sadly die. The Strip
is competitive and one only has to look down the street at night to see this. Each property has to not only keep up with the others, but to also attract and keep their visitors. All of this takes nerve, imagination, and creativity. There is creativity all around them. The dreams of owners, architects, designers, interior decorators, and employees are all wrapped up into these architectural wonders. I am attaching some more pictures.
is competitive and one only has to look down the street at night to see this. Each property has to not only keep up with the others, but to also attract and keep their visitors. All of this takes nerve, imagination, and creativity. There is creativity all around them. The dreams of owners, architects, designers, interior decorators, and employees are all wrapped up into these architectural wonders. I am attaching some more pictures.The action in Las Vegas really gets going when the sun goes down and all inhibitions are tossed out. If you find yourself on the Las Vegas strip :)
Thursday, July 20, 2006
Las Vegas - The Sin City
Whatever Happens in Vegas, Stays in Vegas.
Las Vegas is the most populous city in the state of Nevada, United States, and a major vacation, shopping, entertainment and gambling destination. It was established in 1905, officially became a city in 1911, and became the largest American city founded in the 20th century.
The name Las Vegas is often applied to the unincorporated areas of Clark County 
that surround the city, especially the resort areas on and near the Las Vegas Strip. This 4½ mi (7¼ km) stretch of Las Vegas Boulevard is mostly outside the Las Vegas city limits, in the unincorporated town of Paradise.
The center of gambling in the US, Las Vegas is marketed as The Entertainment Capital of the World, also commonly known as Sin City, due to the popularity of legalized gambling, availability of alcoholic beverages at any time (like all of Nevada), and various forms and degrees of adult entertainment. The city's glamorous image has made it a popular setting for films and television programs.
Water Bridge in Germany
Six years, 500 million euros, 918 meters long.......now this is engineering! This is a channel-bridge over the River Elbe and joins the former East and West Germany, as part of the unification project. It is located in the city of Magdeburg, near Berlin. The photo was taken on the day of inauguration.
To those who appreciate engineering projects, here's a puzzle for you armchair engineers and physicists. Did that bridge have to be designed to withstand the additional weight of ship and barge traffic, or just the weight of the water?
Answer: It only needs to be designed to withstand the weight of the water!
Why? A ship always displaces an amount of water that weighs the same as the ship, regardless of how heavily a ship may be loaded. Remember your high school physics, and the fly in an enclosed bottle project? Similarly, the super sensitive scale proved that it didn't make any difference whether the fly was sitting on the bottom, walking up the side, or flying around. The bottle, air, and fly were a single unit of mass and always weighed the same.
Hoover Dam
Though I changed my job to the software industry, I go back to check on my civil engineering roots and always ponder on whether I made a mistake changing jobs. Last year, I visted Hoover Dam - A Civil Engineering Marvel. I will post pictures of it. The picture just has the location details. If you are going from Las Vegas to the Grand Canyon ( one of the 7 wonders of the Earth), you would have to cross the dam. If you use google earth, you can see the top view.
Hoover Dam is a testimony to a country's ability to construct monolithic projects in the midst of adverse conditions. Built during the Depression; thousands of men and their families came to Black Canyon to tame the Colorado River. It took less than five years, in a harsh and barren land, to build the largest dam of its time. Now, years later, Hoover Dam still stands as a world-renowned structure. The Dam is a National Historic Landmark and has been rated by the American Society of Civil Engineers as one of America's Seven Modern Civil Engineering Wonders.
Blogspot blocked by ISP's
Thousands of Bloggers and Blog mavens across the country were in for a shock: Indian bloggers were outrageously gagged by Internet Service Providers.It seemed almost like the end of the blog world in the subcontinent.
This new publishing media that provided free publishing of personalised news and views, rants and raves on every possible subject under the sun, around the world on the internet be it the bombings in Lebanon, the Iraq quagmire, dry book reviews, travel blogs or critiques on famous television anchors. You name it, bloggers had their views published, discussed and debated. But it all came to a grinding halt when a blanket ban on two popular blog sites in India, Blogspot.com and Geocities.com, was evoked almost like the bloggers were told to shut up.
Internet service providers were in for a bigger shock. Sure enough, bloggers were not going to shut up or keep quiet for too long. By afternoon, thousands of bloggers, who are networked well, were back blogging.They had found a way to overcome the immediate problem. The ink:pkblogs.com/blogname would give them access to the blogspot in a roundabout way.With internet communication opening up tremendous possibilities, this was only inevitable. ‘‘Government had asked the Internet service providers only to remove some 20 websites. Since these providers do not know how to remove only these particular websites, they have effected a blanket banning.
This new publishing media that provided free publishing of personalised news and views, rants and raves on every possible subject under the sun, around the world on the internet be it the bombings in Lebanon, the Iraq quagmire, dry book reviews, travel blogs or critiques on famous television anchors. You name it, bloggers had their views published, discussed and debated. But it all came to a grinding halt when a blanket ban on two popular blog sites in India, Blogspot.com and Geocities.com, was evoked almost like the bloggers were told to shut up.
Internet service providers were in for a bigger shock. Sure enough, bloggers were not going to shut up or keep quiet for too long. By afternoon, thousands of bloggers, who are networked well, were back blogging.They had found a way to overcome the immediate problem. The ink:pkblogs.com/blogname would give them access to the blogspot in a roundabout way.With internet communication opening up tremendous possibilities, this was only inevitable. ‘‘Government had asked the Internet service providers only to remove some 20 websites. Since these providers do not know how to remove only these particular websites, they have effected a blanket banning.
Tuesday, July 18, 2006
Athirampally and Vazhachal Waterfalls
The 4th Semester - Kerala Tour.
Athirappalli and Vazhachal, the two scenic and popular waterfalls on the edge of the Sholayar forest ranges are just 5 km apart.
The falls are very popular with tourists. Athirappally is located 78 kms from Kochi, located at the entrance to Sholayar ranges, this waterfall is a popular picnic spot.Affording to the onlookers, one of the most bewitching sights, Athirappally Falls is about 80ft. high and located in the forest area.Combined with the greenery, it infuses freshness into any tired soul.
The Athirapally Falls join the Chalakkudy River after plummeting a drop of 80 feet. Vazhachal is a picturesque spot just a short drive from Athirapally and is adjacent to dense green forestland. Vazhachal is part of the Chalakkudy River.Both the waterfalls, their cool, misty waters cascading down in the backdrop of thick green forest and rocky terrain, are a scintillating experience to visitors
Monday, July 17, 2006
World's Second And Asia's First Arch Dam
Idukki Arch Dam
This is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills, 550 ft. high and 650 ft. wide.The dam lies close to the Cheruthoni barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located close by.
Sunday, July 16, 2006
Idukki Arch Dam - Kerala
Idukki arch dam is the world's second and Asia's first arch dam, constructed across the Kuravan and Kurathi hills. 550 feet high and 650 feet wide, the dam lies close to the Cheruthoni Barrage. To its west is the Kulamavu Dam. Idukki Wildlife Sanctuary is located closeby.The sanctuary spreads over 77 sq. km and is about 450-748 m above sea level. The Idukki Reservoir fromed by three dams, namely, Cheruthoni, Idukki and Kulamavu extends to 33 sq. kms.
Friday, July 14, 2006
Faculty list as per Seniority
Department of Civil Engineering
1. Dr. M.C. Philipose
2. Dr.E.V.Nampoothiri
3. Prof.B.Vijayakumar
4. Prof.P.N.Mohan
5. Prof.Rosamma Daniel
6. Prof.S.Jayakumari
7. Prof. Soosan J. Panicker
8. Prof.Vincent K.John
9. Prof.Usha Thomas
10. Prof.Gouri Antherjanam
11. Dr.S.Suresh
12. Prof.I.Bushra
13. Prof.J.Sreekumar
14. Dr.Lalu Mangal
15. Smt.R.Jelaja
16. Smt.Mary Napthali
17. Sri.A.Nizad
18. Dr.Anitha Joseph
19. Smt.B.Saraswathy
20. Smt. Sudhi Mary Kurian
21. Smt.V.K.Zeenath
22. Dr.Reebu Z Koshy
23. Sri. B. Sunil Kumar
24. Sri S. Ayoob
25. Dr.S.Narayanan
26. Sri.M.Sirajuddin
27. Smt.Najee M
28. Dr. Bindu S.
29. Sri. Mohammed Asim
30. Sri.R.Sajeeb
31. Sri.M.Nazeer
32. Smt.Seema K.Nair
33. Sri.Benny Joseph
34. Smt. Bindumol M.
35. Smt. Sajida Razak
36. Smt. Sulphia U.
37. Sri.Sameer M
38. Smt.Anu.V.Thomas
39. Kum. Suja K.
40. Sri. Adarsh S
41. Dr. J. Udayakumar
42. Smt.Waheeda Wahab
43. Smt. Jasmine .B
44. Sri. Vigil. K. Arjun
45. Sri. Hareesh Kumar V.R
46. Sri. Salim M
47. Sri. Ahammed Kannu M.S
48. Sri. Thangal Kunju A
49. Sri. Prakashan P
50. Smt. Sini.P
51. Sri. Hakkim I
52. Sri. Shaji M.B
53. Sri. Shaji G
54. Sri. Siddik A
55. Sri. Abdul Salam S
56. Sri. Ummar. H
57. Sri. Davood M
58. Smt. Sheena .A
1. Dr. M.C. Philipose
2. Dr.E.V.Nampoothiri
3. Prof.B.Vijayakumar
4. Prof.P.N.Mohan
5. Prof.Rosamma Daniel
6. Prof.S.Jayakumari
7. Prof. Soosan J. Panicker
8. Prof.Vincent K.John
9. Prof.Usha Thomas
10. Prof.Gouri Antherjanam
11. Dr.S.Suresh
12. Prof.I.Bushra
13. Prof.J.Sreekumar
14. Dr.Lalu Mangal
15. Smt.R.Jelaja
16. Smt.Mary Napthali
17. Sri.A.Nizad
18. Dr.Anitha Joseph
19. Smt.B.Saraswathy
20. Smt. Sudhi Mary Kurian
21. Smt.V.K.Zeenath
22. Dr.Reebu Z Koshy
23. Sri. B. Sunil Kumar
24. Sri S. Ayoob
25. Dr.S.Narayanan
26. Sri.M.Sirajuddin
27. Smt.Najee M
28. Dr. Bindu S.
29. Sri. Mohammed Asim
30. Sri.R.Sajeeb
31. Sri.M.Nazeer
32. Smt.Seema K.Nair
33. Sri.Benny Joseph
34. Smt. Bindumol M.
35. Smt. Sajida Razak
36. Smt. Sulphia U.
37. Sri.Sameer M
38. Smt.Anu.V.Thomas
39. Kum. Suja K.
40. Sri. Adarsh S
41. Dr. J. Udayakumar
42. Smt.Waheeda Wahab
43. Smt. Jasmine .B
44. Sri. Vigil. K. Arjun
45. Sri. Hareesh Kumar V.R
46. Sri. Salim M
47. Sri. Ahammed Kannu M.S
48. Sri. Thangal Kunju A
49. Sri. Prakashan P
50. Smt. Sini.P
51. Sri. Hakkim I
52. Sri. Shaji M.B
53. Sri. Shaji G
54. Sri. Siddik A
55. Sri. Abdul Salam S
56. Sri. Ummar. H
57. Sri. Davood M
58. Smt. Sheena .A
Kollam overbridge a distant dream
This is the Final Year project that Anoop, Alex, Sunil and Shaji worked on. This is currently stuck due to political issues. More info from the Article.
It seems that the railway overbridge that would ease the traffic congestion in Kollam city considerably promises will remain a dream for many more years amid political wrangling. Now the foundation stone for the bridge, laid in 2003, remains a testimony for all the allegations and counter-allegations between the UDF and LDF over the bridge.
An MP, P Rajendran, in January last, had alleged that the previous UDF Government, which had refused to initiate work on the bridge, stalled its prospects even after he managed to get a token amount allocated for the project in the Railway Budget for 2001-02. However, the then UDF Government did not move even a single file regarding the construction of the approach road, which was the State's responsibility, Rajendran said.
The UDF has retorted saying that the LDF, which had used the issue in campaign for the last election, has not allocated even a token amount for the overbridge in its Budget. Rajendran said that all procedures regarding the approach road would be completed by the LDF Government in three months and the work on the bridge would be completed in a year.
The proposal for the railway overbridge appeared first in the Kollam master plan prepared in 1980. In October 2003, then Railway Minister Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation stone for the bridge. By that time, the Railways had completed the procedure for tender. It was cancelled later.
The UDF camp feels that the tender was for the Railways' portion alone and it was against the earlier decision to entrust the works on both the bridge and the approach road to the Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDC).
But the Parliament member counters this argument saying that bifurcation of the bridgework was not done at his behest. He says the work was bifurcated after the collapse of an overbridge constructed by the RBDC.
"That tender was already on the anvil before this particular incident of bridge collapse. Actually, the mishap proved to be a blessing for those who wanted to take over the work from the RBDC. The MP himself caused bifurcation of the work to expedite its inauguration for citing it as one of his major achievements. That blocked the work," says Suresh Babu, a member of the district Congress committee.
The total estimated cost of the bridge was Rs 11.64 crore on a cost-sharing basis. An amount of Rs 5.88 crore was to come from the Railways and the State Government was to put in Rs 5.76 crore as its share. The Railways invited tender once more for the work of its portion in 2005.
An LDF source says, "The then LDF Government had on December 5,1999, included the bridge in its schedule and had referred it for the Centre's approval on January 28, 2000. Till date, nothing has been done to implement the project."
He adds, "The Railways is saying that the traffic volume thorough the 541 level-cross, in whose place the bridge is to come, at SP Office junction was below one lakh vehicles per day. A re-census was conducted after considerable effort from the Parliament member and the traffic volume was estimated as 1,45,740. This was a turning point on way to construction of the bridge and the Railways officially declared that the level cross was eligible to be converted into a bridge in October 2000. The Railways prepared the general arrangement drawing (GAD) and the State Government approved it. By that time, a UDF Government had taken charge in the State. It was then that the project slowed down."
The UDF refutes this argument saying that the Railways conducted the census when the level-cross remained closed for several days. The LDF could not even convince the Railways the reason behind this. The re-census was a routine one held by the Railways usually at regular intervals. The work was included in the Railway Work Programme of 2001-2002 after the UDF came into power, Congress sources say. "Actually, the then UDF Government on May 5, 2003, had sent a letter to the Chief Engineer, Southern Railway, seeking approval for the GAD and to get the work contract for both the bridge and the approach road accorded to the RBDC," said a Congress source.
However, the CPI(M) alleges that the then UDF Government had purposefully demanded shifting of the bridge site from level-cross 541 to 543 at the College Junction. They allege that former Employment Affairs Minister Babu Divakaran has some personal interest in this, fearing that the bridge passing through the park in the name of his father would harm it.
However, the Kollam overbridge remains a dream even after two of the 23 over-bridges proposed as part of the Railways programme of 2001 were inaugurated and works on another 12 have been partially completed.
It seems that the railway overbridge that would ease the traffic congestion in Kollam city considerably promises will remain a dream for many more years amid political wrangling. Now the foundation stone for the bridge, laid in 2003, remains a testimony for all the allegations and counter-allegations between the UDF and LDF over the bridge.
An MP, P Rajendran, in January last, had alleged that the previous UDF Government, which had refused to initiate work on the bridge, stalled its prospects even after he managed to get a token amount allocated for the project in the Railway Budget for 2001-02. However, the then UDF Government did not move even a single file regarding the construction of the approach road, which was the State's responsibility, Rajendran said.
The UDF has retorted saying that the LDF, which had used the issue in campaign for the last election, has not allocated even a token amount for the overbridge in its Budget. Rajendran said that all procedures regarding the approach road would be completed by the LDF Government in three months and the work on the bridge would be completed in a year.
The proposal for the railway overbridge appeared first in the Kollam master plan prepared in 1980. In October 2003, then Railway Minister Nitish Kumar had laid the foundation stone for the bridge. By that time, the Railways had completed the procedure for tender. It was cancelled later.
The UDF camp feels that the tender was for the Railways' portion alone and it was against the earlier decision to entrust the works on both the bridge and the approach road to the Kerala Roads and Bridges Development Corporation (RBDC).
But the Parliament member counters this argument saying that bifurcation of the bridgework was not done at his behest. He says the work was bifurcated after the collapse of an overbridge constructed by the RBDC.
"That tender was already on the anvil before this particular incident of bridge collapse. Actually, the mishap proved to be a blessing for those who wanted to take over the work from the RBDC. The MP himself caused bifurcation of the work to expedite its inauguration for citing it as one of his major achievements. That blocked the work," says Suresh Babu, a member of the district Congress committee.
The total estimated cost of the bridge was Rs 11.64 crore on a cost-sharing basis. An amount of Rs 5.88 crore was to come from the Railways and the State Government was to put in Rs 5.76 crore as its share. The Railways invited tender once more for the work of its portion in 2005.
An LDF source says, "The then LDF Government had on December 5,1999, included the bridge in its schedule and had referred it for the Centre's approval on January 28, 2000. Till date, nothing has been done to implement the project."
He adds, "The Railways is saying that the traffic volume thorough the 541 level-cross, in whose place the bridge is to come, at SP Office junction was below one lakh vehicles per day. A re-census was conducted after considerable effort from the Parliament member and the traffic volume was estimated as 1,45,740. This was a turning point on way to construction of the bridge and the Railways officially declared that the level cross was eligible to be converted into a bridge in October 2000. The Railways prepared the general arrangement drawing (GAD) and the State Government approved it. By that time, a UDF Government had taken charge in the State. It was then that the project slowed down."
The UDF refutes this argument saying that the Railways conducted the census when the level-cross remained closed for several days. The LDF could not even convince the Railways the reason behind this. The re-census was a routine one held by the Railways usually at regular intervals. The work was included in the Railway Work Programme of 2001-2002 after the UDF came into power, Congress sources say. "Actually, the then UDF Government on May 5, 2003, had sent a letter to the Chief Engineer, Southern Railway, seeking approval for the GAD and to get the work contract for both the bridge and the approach road accorded to the RBDC," said a Congress source.
However, the CPI(M) alleges that the then UDF Government had purposefully demanded shifting of the bridge site from level-cross 541 to 543 at the College Junction. They allege that former Employment Affairs Minister Babu Divakaran has some personal interest in this, fearing that the bridge passing through the park in the name of his father would harm it.
However, the Kollam overbridge remains a dream even after two of the 23 over-bridges proposed as part of the Railways programme of 2001 were inaugurated and works on another 12 have been partially completed.
More info on TKMCE
TKM College of Engineering, Kollam was established in the year 1958 by the late Sri. A. Thangal Kunju Musaliar, a leading philanthropist and industrialist of Kerala. The foundation stone was laid by Dr. Rajendra Prasad, the then President of India on third February 1956. The college was formally declared open on 3rd July 1956 by Prof. Humayun Kabir, the then Minister for Scientific Research & Cultural Affairs, Government of India. This is the first Government aided private Engineering College in Kerala State and is affiliated to the University of Kerala. All the courses conducted in the institution has the approval of the A.I.C.T.E. Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering has been a trend setter in the field of Technical Education in Kerala.
Thursday, July 13, 2006
Wednesday, July 12, 2006
Introduction - Cevils 95 - Batch of 91-95
This is the Blog for the best Civil Engineering Batch that studied in Thangal Kunju Musaliar college of Engineering, Karicode, Kollam, Kerala, India- Year 0f 1991-1995
College - Thangal Kunju Musaliar College Of Engineering
The first Government aided private Engineering College in Kerala State and is affiliated to the University of Kerala. All the courses conducted in the institution has the approval of the A.I.C.T.E. Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering has been a trend setter in the field of Technical Education in Kerala. The college started with a student strength of 120 and a faculty of six offering courses in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and has an enviable reputation of being one of the premier technical institutions in the country. At present the college has a strength of more than 2000 students with about 200 staff members supported by 136 non-teaching staff. It has always maintained a very high standard, the main focus being the overall development of the students. The college has been maintaining an excellent industry - institution interaction all through its history.
College - Thangal Kunju Musaliar College Of Engineering
The first Government aided private Engineering College in Kerala State and is affiliated to the University of Kerala. All the courses conducted in the institution has the approval of the A.I.C.T.E. Thangal Kunju Musaliar College of Engineering has been a trend setter in the field of Technical Education in Kerala. The college started with a student strength of 120 and a faculty of six offering courses in Civil, Mechanical and Electrical Engineering and has an enviable reputation of being one of the premier technical institutions in the country. At present the college has a strength of more than 2000 students with about 200 staff members supported by 136 non-teaching staff. It has always maintained a very high standard, the main focus being the overall development of the students. The college has been maintaining an excellent industry - institution interaction all through its history.
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