Kerala CM Pinarayi Vijayan Calls on NHAI to Speed Up Highway Projects

Fast Summary

• Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan chaired a high-level meeting in Thiruvananthapuram to review progress on national highway projects in the State.
• The National Highway Authority of India (NHAI) was directed to expedite work while ensuring technical standards are maintained.
• Highway construction has slowed in some regions,including Vadakara (Kozhikode),Thuravur (Alappuzha),and Thiruvananthapuram. Contractors delaying progress may face strict action.
• Protests from bus owners and residents have called for an underpass at Nadal, Kannur; currently, buses face detours to cross roads nearby. CM emphasized resolving local concerns urgently.
• Agencies, district collectors, and police chiefs were instructed to resolve any hindrances swiftly while considering regional topography and Kerala’s population density in project execution.
• Completion targets for 642 km of road across 17 stretches were reviewed: 480 km is expected by December 2025, expanding to 560 km by March 2026.

– District-wise updates: Kasaragod (70/83 km complete), Kannur (48/65 km), Kozhikode (55/69 km), Malappuram (76/77 km), Thrissur (42/62 km), Ernakulam (9/26 km), Alappuzha (34/95 km), Kollam (24/56 km); Thiruvananthapuram lags at just 5 out of planned 30 kilometers completed.

• Prominent attendees included key ministers like P.A Mohamed Riyas, officials including State Police Chief Ravada A Chandrasekhar, NHAI Regional Officer Colonel A.K Janbaz among others.

Indian Opinion Analysis
Kerala’s push for timely completion of its highway network reflects the state’s focus on improving transportation infrastructure amidst growing logistical needs due to high population density and regional challenges like coastal terrain. Delays caused by contractors could undermine these efforts unless addressed proactively with stricter oversight mechanisms as highlighted during the meeting.

the government’s attention towards addressing local protests-such as constructing the underpass at Nadal-demonstrates sensitivity toward community concerns intertwined with infrastructure development goals. Though,completion rates vary significantly across districts as seen from data provided; districts such as Thiruvananthapuram lag notably behind others like Malappuram or Kasaragod suggesting uneven prioritization or logistical bottlenecks needing resolution.

If targets through December 2025 and beyond are adhered to effectively without further delays impacting long-term planning or arbitration processes flagged here – then expedited connectivity could enhance economic growth potentials regionally while also benefiting daily commuters greatly amidst Kerala’s unique demographic pressures.

Read More: Published September 11, 2025 | Source link