Another key road in Kerala to be expanded to four-lane road; Rs 1000 crore project

THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The six-lane National Highway project from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram is making steady progress. The authorities are aiming to complete the construction by the end of this year. Once completed, the fully operational highway is expected to significantly contribute to the development of Kerala. In addition to the National Highway, road development within the state is also advancing.

The process for expanding the Kollam-Theni National Highway into a four-lane road has started. Efforts are currently underway to update the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways’ Land Acquisition Portal with details of the land being acquired. Initially, there was a proposal to construct a bypass from Anchalummoodu, but the decision was later made to improve the existing route through Anchalummoodu–Ilamballur–Chittumala, which currently accommodates a bus service.

The four-lane road being developed will not include service roads. The expansion will make the road 24 meters wide by eliminating sharp curves. At present, most sections of the road are 12 to 14 meters wide, with some areas as narrow as 10 meters. A width of 45 meters would be required to build service roads, but the high cost of acquiring such land led to the decision to proceed without service roads.

The development of the Kollam-Theni National Highway is being carried out in two phases. The first phase, from Kadavoor to Chakkuvally, spans 25.3 kilometers, and the second phase, from Chakkuvally to Chengannur, covers 29 kilometers. Although divided into two phases, both sections will be constructed simultaneously. The total estimated cost for land acquisition and road construction is approximately Rs 1,000 crore.