Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways, Nitin Gadkari, has reaffirmed the Centre’s commitment to Kerala’s development, announcing a series of major infrastructure projects worth Rs 3 lakh crore under the current central government. Addressing the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) 2025 via video message, Gadkari revealed 31 new road projects for the state, with a total investment of Rs 50,000 crore.
“I assure you that we will develop world-class infrastructure in Kerala,” he said, emphasizing the crucial role of road networks in boosting the state’s tourism, business, and industries.
Key Road Projects Announced
The minister highlighted several significant projects aimed at enhancing connectivity and economic growth:
- Ongoing & Completed Projects: Over Rs 20,000 crore worth of road projects have been completed, while projects worth Rs 60,000 crore are currently in progress.
- New Bidding Packages: Five construction packages covering 120 km, valued at Rs 10,840 crore, are in the bidding stage, with work expected to commence within three months.
- Palakkad-Kozhikode Expressway: A Rs 10,800 crore initiative aimed at improving seamless connectivity between northern Kerala and Salem.
- Ernakulam Bypass (Angamaly-Kundannoor Bypass): Spanning 45 km, this Rs 6,500 crore project will cut travel time from 1.5 hours to just 20 minutes, with work set to begin within six months.
- Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road: The Rs 5,000 crore, 68.7 km project will significantly improve access to Vizhinjam Port, pending land acquisition.
- Edamon-Kollam NH Four-Laning: A Rs 3,000 crore project aimed at reducing Kollam-Madurai travel time from six hours to just two, currently in the detailed project report (DPR) stage and expected to begin within four to five months.