Five New National Highways Planned for Kerala; Project Documents Initiated
Thiruvananthapuram: Public Works Minister P.A. Muhammed Riyas announced today that the National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated procedures to prepare detailed project documents for the development of five new national highways across Kerala. This significant move is set to enhance the state’s road infrastructure, addressing long-standing public demands for improved connectivity.
The proposed projects include upgrading the Ramanattukara – Kozhikode Airport Road, Kannur Airport Road (stretching from Chovva to Mattannur), Kodungallur – Angamaly road, and the Vypeen – Matsyafed Tourist Office Road to national highway standards. These key routes are crucial for improving access to major airports and facilitating tourist movement within the state.
Additionally, the NHAI is also preparing project documents for the construction of bypasses at Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha, both situated on the Kochi – Madurai National Highway. The tender process to select an agency responsible for preparing these comprehensive project documents has already been launched by the National Highways Authority.
Minister Riyas emphasized that the preparation of these project documents aligns with the state government’s persistent requests. He recalled that during a meeting led by the Chief Minister with the Union Minister for Surface Transport, a detailed proposal was submitted, urging the upgrade of more roads to national highway specifications. The current steps are a direct outcome of these discussions and proposals.
The Minister highlighted that the development of these road networks represents a long-cherished aspiration of the people of Kerala. He reiterated the state government’s commitment to continuous intervention and support to ensure the successful realization of these vital infrastructure projects.
Further details reveal that the project documents will outline the transformation of the 12-kilometer Ramanattukara – Kozhikode Airport Road and the 20-kilometer Kodungallur – Angamaly road (also known as the Western Ernakulam Bypass) into four-lane highways. Concurrently, the 30-kilometer Kannur Airport Road and the 13-kilometer Vypeen – Matsyafed Road are slated for development as two-lane paved shoulder roads. The Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha bypasses are also targeted for similar two-lane paved shoulder upgrades, aiming to streamline traffic flow and reduce congestion in these critical areas.