Team Blitz India
The new highway projects launched recently by Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari will significantly boost Kerala’s infrastructure, adding an immense segment in its modern-road connectivity.
On Friday, January 5, the Minister announced a greenfield corridor project aimed to enhance road connectivity in the state. He inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 12 national highway projects. The total length of the projects will be 105 km, worth over Rs 1,464 Crore.
The six-laning of NH 66 is all set to be completed and will reduce the travel time from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram from 17 hours to 7 hours. He said it would transform the landscape of Kerala.
“It will be a big boost for Kerala’s tourism and industrial development and we are working very fast to complete the project within the deadline. The target is to complete the project by December 2025,” Gadkari said.
“Adding an immense segment in modern-road infrastructure of Kerala,” Gadkari posted on his social media handle on X.
“Under PM Shri @narendramodi Ji’s leadership, Kerala is advancing towards streamlined, energy-efficient, and ecofriendly mobility solutions, reflecting a commitment to sustainable progress and environmental stewardship. #PragatiKaHighway #GatiShakti #BuildingTheNation,” added the Union Minister.
The event was organised online by the National Highways Authority of India, attended by Union Minister of State V Muraleedharan, Kerala PWD Minister PA Mohammed Riyas, MP from Kasargod Rajmohan Unnithan, along with MLAs, senior officials in Kasargod, Kerala, among others.
The proposed projects, according to Gadkari, aim to enhance seamless connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, ensuring swift and trouble-free transportation.
This initiative holds the promise of reducing overall transportation costs. Furthermore, a focus on eliminating black spots on national highways is anticipated to contribute to a significant decrease in road accidents, he stated. The undertaking is poised to generate substantial employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, fostering socio-economic growth in Kerala, said a ministry statement.
Additionally, the improved accessibility to Munnar is expected to boost tourism potential, while the construction of a high-level bridge will eliminate a 27 km detour during floods, streamlining travel and benefiting the export of key Kerala products.
