Kochi: Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, on Friday announced a massive ₹3 lakh crore infrastructure development project for Kerala, with a primary focus on road expansion and modernization.
Participating online in the Invest Kerala Global Summit, Gadkari revealed that ₹50,000 crore worth of road development projects would be implemented soon. A total of 31 new projects covering 896 km have been planned to enhance connectivity across the state.
Key Announcements
Kozhikode-Palakkad National Highway 966 to be Four-Laned
- Length: 120 km (passing through Malappuram, Kozhikode, and Palakkad).
- Estimated Cost: ₹10,814 crore.
- Timeline: Work to commence within three months.
- Significance: Strengthens connectivity between North Kerala and Coimbatore.
Ernakulam Bypass on NH-544 to be Six-Laned
- Length: 45 km (from Angamaly to Kundannur).
- Estimated Cost: ₹6,500 crore.
- Timeline: Work expected to start within six months.
Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road
- Length: 62.7 km.
- Estimated Cost: ₹5,000 crore.
- Timeline: Construction to begin within four to five months.
- Significance: Will serve as the main corridor to Vizhinjam International Seaport.
New Road Project in Kollam District
- Connectivity: Links Kollam to major Tamil Nadu cities—Sengottai, Tenkasi, and Tirunelveli.
- Length: 38.6 km.
- Estimated Cost: ₹300 crore.
- Timeline: Work to begin within four to five months.
Boost for Kerala’s Tourism & Infrastructure
Gadkari emphasized that Kerala’s globally renowned tourism sector, including Ayurveda, attracts numerous domestic and international visitors. He stressed the urgent need for superior infrastructure, particularly well-developed roads, to enhance accessibility and promote tourism. The Union Minister assured the central government’s full support in creating world-class infrastructure for Kerala.
