Centre to construct 27 new roads in Kerala; cost Rs 70,113.62 crores

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The National Highways Authority will construct 27 new roads in the state at a cost of Rs 70,113.62 crore. A total of 960.27 km, including greenfield highways, will be realized within Kerala. This is apart from National Highway 66 which is currently under construction. The central government will pay for all of the costs associated with building roads on newly acquired lands. At present, the state bears 25 percent of the cost of the land acquired for the national highway.

Under the Bharatmala project, 15 roads (838.89 km) worth 66627.11 crores in various districts and 12 roads worth 3486.51 crores (121.38 km) connecting various ports will be constructed. A detailed plan is being prepared. Some of the major upcoming projects are Vizhinjam-Navaikulam Outer Ring Road, Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly Greenfield, Kochi-Munnar Theni four-lane road, Ernakulam-Kundannur Angamaly-Kundannur six-lane bypass, Kollam-Shenkottai Greenfield, etc.

An understanding regarding this was reached during a discussion between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari. The state will have to waive GST on construction materials. The state should also give away government-owned quarries. The Centre does not share the revenue generated by the National Highways Authority from the toll booths with the states.

Major roads

Length (km) Cost (in Crores)
Kochi–Munnar Theni..........96.3..........15210.03

Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly..........205.12..........14583

Kollam – Shenkottai..........61..........4048

Ernakulam Bypass..........44.7..........5299.66

Vizhinjam–Navaikulam..........62.7..........7537.55