KANNUR: Minister PA Mohammed Riyas said that the National Highway Development project, which was thought to have been stalled, is expected to become a reality by December 2025. He was inaugurating the construction of the Choolakkadavu Bridge which will connect the Payyannur and Ramanthali regions. The bridge will be constructed at a cost of Rs 27.94 crore from the KIIFB fund.

The Minister said that various stretches of the 45-meter wide six-lane national highway from Kasaragod to Thiruvananthapuram will be opened as soon as the works are completed. He further mentioned that the stretch from Kasaragod to Malappuram will likely be completed earlier, while the remaining areas will require more time. The Minister emphasized that it is through the government's continuous intervention that the national highway development is becoming a reality. He said that the Choolakkadavu Bridge has been a dream for the region for decades and that everyone should ensure the bridge is completed on time. A two-year period has been allocated for the completion of the project.

The Choolakkadavu bridge, connecting Ramanthali panchayat and Payyannur municipality in Payyannur constituency, is being constructed across Payyannur river. The bridge starts from near Payyannur railway station and connects to Ramanthali panchayat