The Central Government has sanctioned ₹2,039 crore for a series of national highway development projects across Kerala, giving a major boost to the state’s road infrastructure. The announcement was made after Kerala Public Works Minister P.K. Basheer held discussions with Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari.
Among the approved projects are ₹40 crore for the construction of the Byrakuppa Bridge connecting Kerala and Karnataka, ₹98.40 crore for improvements on NH-744 linking Thirumangalam in Tamil Nadu with Kollam in Kerala, and ₹172 crore for the Kozhikode–Palakkad National Highway.
The Centre has also granted in-principle approval for ropeway projects at Sabarimala, Munnar and Wayanad, with the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the Sabarimala ropeway set to be prepared soon.
A major highlight is the approval of ₹1,663 crore for developing a four-lane stretch from Kadavur-Chengannur to Anjilimoodu on the Kollam–Theni National Highway. Approval for widening the Adimali–Kumily National Highway is also expected shortly.
In addition, the Centre has directed the construction of an elevated highway from Ramanattukara to Kozhikode Airport, while the Wellington Island–Kundannur bypass will be connected to the Aroor–Angamaly bypass to ease traffic congestion. The revised alignments for the Kothamangalam–Muvattupuzha and Kodungallur–Angamaly bypasses are also expected to receive approval in the coming months.
