Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan
| Photo Credit: NIRMAL HARINDRAN
A high-level meeting chaired by Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan has directed the National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) to expedite the completion of national highways works in the State “without compromising on technical matters.”
Speaking at a review meeting in Thiruvananthapuram on Thursday, the Chief Minister pointed out that though the NHAI was ‘generally doing commendable work in Kerala, there is a standstill in works in some regions.’
At least in some places, including Vadakara in Kozhikode, Thuravur in Alappuzha, and Thiruvananthapuram, the works have been progressing at a slow pace. The Chief Minister urged the NHAI authorities to take strict action against contractors dragging their feet.
An underpass must be constructed at Nadal in Kannur district to allow buses to pass, as bus owners and local residents have been protesting, demanding its construction. At present, buses have to go all the way to Chala and return in order to cross the road. This should be considered as a special case, and action should be taken, the Chief Minister said.
He also directed various agencies to ensure that the work on the national highways proceeds without hindrance. The District Collector and the police chief concerned should take steps to discuss and resolve any issues that arise.
The Chief Minister said works should be carried out taking into account the topography of the region and the population density of Kerala. Steps should be taken to complete the necessary arbitration in a timely manner, he added.
The meeting also reviewed the completion schedule for 642 km of road across 17 stretches. It is estimated that around 480 km will be completed by December 2025, and a total of 560 km by March 2026.
In Kasaragod, work on 70 km out of 83 km has been completed, while 48 km out of 65 km have been completed in Kannur. The progress of works in other districts includes Kozhikode (55 km out of 69), Malappuram (76 km out of 77), Thrissur (42 km out of 62), Ernakulam (9 km out of 26), Alappuzha (34 km out of 95), Kollam (24 km out of 56), and Thiruvananthapuram (5 km out of 30 km).
The meeting was attended by Minister for Public Works P.A. Mohamed Riyas, Industries Minister P. Rajeeve, Electricity Minister K. Krishnankutty, Chief Secretary A. Jayathilak, Additional Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, State Police Chief Ravada A. Chandrasekhar, Public Works Department Secretary K. Biju, District Collectors, NHAI Regional Officer Colonel A. K. Janbaz among others.
Published – September 11, 2025 02:38 pm IST