KOZHIKODE: With the completion of such big projects as the six-lane National Highway from one end of the state to the other, the hill highway, the coastal highway, and the waterway from Kovalam to Bekal, the image of Kerala is changing in a big way, said Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan. He was speaking after inaugurating the first reach of the hill highway, the Kodencherry-Kakkadampoyil stretch, and the construction of the Malappuram-Kodenchery reach.

Road development has played a major role in making Kerala number one in industrial growth and an investment-friendly environment. The overall development of the country is taking place through road development. In addition to the six-lane National Highway, the hill highway and coastal roads are also becoming a reality. Both of these alone cost about Rs. 10,000 crore. It is being spent by the state government through KIIFB. Along with this, the Kovalam-Bekal waterway is also being completed very quickly. It is expected that the waterway from Thiruvananthapuram to Chettuva will be completed in a few months. Some new canals need to be built to the north of Vadakara. That too will happen soon, the chief minister said.

Public Works Minister P A Muhammed Riyas, who presided over the function, said that Rs 26.25 crore has been allocated for the construction of a connecting road in the Melekumpara, Anakallumpara, Akampuzha, and Tazhekakkad areas. Linto Joseph MLA said the welcome speech, and Kerala Road Fund Board Team Leader S. Deepu delivered the vote of thanks.

The hill highway was constructed at a cost of Rs. 221.2 crore with the financial assistance of KIIFB. Two bridges have been constructed on the 34-km road. It is 12 meters wide. On both sides of the road, arrangements have been made for the passage of drains, underground cables and pipes, solar lights, and signal lights. There are concrete block pavements, bus stops, and handrails at major intersections. The Kerala Road Fund Board is the implementing agency for the project. The construction of the Reach was completed by the Uralungal Labour Society, which was awarded the contract. The hill highway was one of the dream projects of the state government that came to power in 2016.