THIRUVANANTHAPURAM: The central government will likely bear the entire cost of construction of five national highways in the state. At present, the state government used to bear 25% of the amount for land acquisition of national highways proposed by the central government. An agreement was reached in this regard during a discussion held between Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan and Union Minister Nitin Gadkari.

As decided earlier, the state will bear 25% of the cost of land acquisition for the construction of Kasaragod Thalappadi-Thiruvananthapuram Karod National Highway 66 and Palakkad-Kozhikode National Highway 966, which is under construction. Instead, the state government will get GST for construction materials, soil, stone etc. Royalty will be waived. Right to excavate soil and stone required for construction will be given on priority basis on land owned by the state government. The National Highway Authority has decided to take further steps as per the order of the Central Surface Transport Department.

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Outerring Road: Discussion to continue

Discussions will continue under the leadership of the Chief Secretary regarding the needs of the National Highways Authority, including the construction of the service road at the state's expense in the Thiruvananthapuram Vizhinjam-Navaikulam outer ring road project proposed by the state government. The state demands that the National Highway Authority itself should construct the service road while constructing the 45 meter road. Although this matter was brought to the attention of the Union Minister, he advised to discuss and take a decision. 50% of land acquisition for this road is borne by the state government.

Centrally funded National Highways

1. Kadampattukonam- Red Fort Greenway

2. Angamali – Kundannur (Eraakulam Bypass)

3. Palakkad - Kozhikode Bypass

4. Malappuram-Mysore Greenway

5. Kochi - Tuticorin Expressway