Work on Kollam-Kottapuram Inland Waterways, declared as National Waterways, is progressing and the Government expects to commission the stretch before March 31, 2013, the Kerala Chief Minister, Mr Oommen Chandy, informed the Assembly today.

Replying to a calling attention of Mr Kunhiramam (CPI-M) seeking steps to expedite the construction activities of the proposed National Waterways in the state, Mr Chandy said hurdles in construction due to issues related to land acquisition would be sorted out.

He said the main problem with regard to Kovalam-Kollam waterways was the tunnel at Varkalam and issues related to land acquisition. Efforts were on to settle the issues.

In the next phase, the Kottapuram (in Thrissur district) to Mangalore stretch would be taken up. Availability of funds was not a problem as it was a Centrally sponsored scheme, he said.