Kerala is on the brink of a significant infrastructure revolution, as Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas proudly announced that the widened national highway, connecting Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram, is slated for inauguration by January 2026. Describing it as a “New Year gift” to the state’s residents, Minister Riyas revealed this exciting news during a recent seminar titled ‘Vision 2031’.
The development of this national highway has seen a substantial investment of ₹5,580 crore. This project is a cornerstone of the Public Works department’s broader mission to position Kerala as a powerhouse of infrastructure development by 2031, ensuring all major roads across the state receive comprehensive upgrades.
Under this visionary plan, state highways will be meticulously transformed into modern four-lane thoroughfares, while district roads will be upgraded to efficient two-lane designs. To alleviate urban congestion, elevated highways are planned for cities with high traffic density. Furthermore, a strategic road network map is being meticulously crafted to seamlessly connect all crucial tourism destinations within Kerala, guided by a robust design policy. The initiative also includes the development of ‘smart roads’ in all major cities, promising advanced traffic management and improved commuting experiences.
Key projects receiving immediate attention include an outer ring road for Thiruvananthapuram, a vital bypass road in Ernakulam, the greenfield Kollam-Sengottai road, and the Kozhikode-Palakkad greenfield road. Additionally, the plan encompasses the expansion of the Thrissur-Edappally national highway to a six-lane stretch, significant upgrades to National Highway 766 (linking Kozhikode and Muthanga in Wayanad), and essential modifications to the Adimali-Kumily and Mundakayam-Kumily routes. Thottathil Raveendran, MLA, and other dignitaries were present at the announcement, underscoring the collaborative effort behind this monumental undertaking.