Kerala Secures ₹2,039 Crore Central Approval for Highways, Bridges and Connectivity Projects

The Central government has approved infrastructure projects worth ₹2,039 crore for Kerala, providing a significant boost to the state’s road and transport network. The approvals were announced after a meeting between Kerala Public Works Department (PWD) Minister P K Basheer and Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari in New Delhi.

Among the biggest approvals is ₹1,663 crore for the four-laning of the Kadavoor–Aanjilimoodu section of the Kollam–Theni National Highway. The project is expected to improve traffic flow, reduce travel time and strengthen connectivity between Kerala and neighbouring Tamil Nadu, while supporting regional economic growth.

The Centre has also sanctioned ₹49 crore for a new bridge across the Kabani River, connecting Perikkallur in Wayanad district with Bairakuppe in Karnataka. The bridge is expected to enhance interstate connectivity and improve access for residents, businesses and tourists travelling between the two states.

Additional approvals include ₹98.40 crore for works on National Highway 744, ₹172 crore for the Ramanattukara–Chandranagar stretch of National Highway 966, and ₹66 crore for upgrading the old National Highway 66 section between Kazhakkoottam and Balaramapuram. These projects aim to improve road quality, safety and transport efficiency across Kerala.

The meeting also resulted in in-principle approval for ropeway projects at Sabarimala, Munnar and Wayanad. Once implemented, these projects are expected to improve tourist access, reduce road congestion and support sustainable tourism development in some of Kerala’s most visited destinations.

In another major development, the Union Minister indicated that approval for widening National Highway 185 from Adimali to Kumily is likely to be granted soon. Revised alignments for the proposed Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha bypasses are also expected to receive early clearance.

Additionally, the National Highways Authority of India has been directed to prepare the Detailed Project Report (DPR) for the proposed elevated highway connecting Ramanattukara with Kozhikode International Airport. The proposed corridor is expected to improve airport connectivity and support faster movement of passengers and cargo.

With these approvals, Kerala is set to witness significant infrastructure development that will strengthen regional connectivity, support economic growth and improve transportation across the state.