Kerala is set to experience a significant boost in its road network as the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) officially begins work on five new national highway development projects. This initiative marks a crucial step towards enhancing connectivity across the state.
Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas announced on Saturday that the NHAI has already initiated the necessary procedures to prepare the comprehensive project documents for these new national highways. This includes routes like the Ramanattukara-Kozhikode Airport Road, Kannur Airport Road (Chovva-Mattannur), Kodungallur-Angamaly, and the Vypeen-Matsyafed Tourist Office Road, all slated for upgrade to national highway status.
In addition to these upgrades, plans are also underway to construct bypasses for Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha, both vital sections along the Kochi-Madurai National Highway.
Advancing Through the Tender Process
The NHAI has actively commenced the tender process to select a suitable agency responsible for preparing these critical project documents. Minister Riyas emphasized that the development of these new national highways is a direct response to the persistent demands from the State government and the local populace.
Indeed, a recent high-level meeting, presided over by the Chief Minister, specifically requested the NHAI to consider upgrading more roads to national highway standards, a proposal for which a detailed submission was made.
These upcoming road improvements have been a long-cherished aspiration for residents in the affected regions. Specifically, the 12-km Ramanattukara-Kozhikode Airport Road and the 20-km Kodungallur-Angamaly (Western Ernakulam Bypass) Road are earmarked for transformation into four-lane carriageways. Meanwhile, the 30-km Kannur Airport Road and the 13-km Vypeen-Matsyafed Road are planned for development into efficient two-lane paved shoulders. The Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha bypasses will also adopt the two-lane paved shoulder configuration. The Minister assured continuous oversight from the State to ensure the swift and successful implementation of these vital infrastructure projects.