With the traders' protest in Vadakara in Kozhikode district against the government's move to acquire land to widen NH 66, the people's representatives and social organisations are planning to sit together to plan an alternative — an elevated highway — on August 8. The meeting will be attended by Vadakara MP Mullappally Ramachandran and CK Nanu, MLA.

Meanwhile, the traders have alleged that the BOT road would ultimately be detrimental to commuters and people who surrender their land.

They also say the 45m-wide road will divide the town into two. Prakash Kumaran P, chairman of Building and Land Owners Forum, said the traders have already given their land for widening works to make the road 30m-wide.

The fresh move will affect more than 500 traders in town and the project will also adversely affect the smooth traffic flow here, he said.

They alleged that the land mafia is behind the campaign in support of BOT road project. The campaign by a group of people who support the project for the compensation package announced by advisory committee appointed by the chief minister is baseless, Prakash said.

A member of NH action committee Pradeep Chombala said that inadequate compensation and the lack of a proper rehabilitation package are responsible for people unwilling to surrender their land for road development projects.

He said the elevated highway will resolve the issues related to the widening of highways and traffic congestion in the town.