Adding an immense segment in modern-road infrastructure of Kerala, Union Road Transport and Highways Minister Nitin Gadkari inaugurated and laid the foundation stone of 12 national highway projects with a total length of 105 km, worth over Rs 1,464 crore, in Kerala.

The proposed projects aim to enhance seamless connectivity between Tamil Nadu and Kerala, ensuring swift and trouble-free transportation.

The initiative holds the promise of reducing overall transportation costs. Furthermore, a focus on eliminating black spots on national highways (NHs) is anticipated to contribute to a significant decrease in road accidents.

The undertaking is poised to generate substantial employment opportunities, both directly and indirectly, fostering socio-economic growth in Kerala.

Additionally, the improved accessibility to Munnar is expected to boost tourism potential, while the construction of a high-level bridge will eliminate a 27 km detour during floods, streamlining travel and benefiting the export of key Kerala products.

The event was held in the presence of Union Minister of State V Muraleedharan, Kerala PWD Minister P A Mohammed Riyas, MP from Kasargod Rajmohan Unnithan, MLAs, and senior officials in Kasargod in Kerala on Friday (5 December).

The Road Transport Ministry and its implementing agencies have undertaken multiple initiatives in the last nine years to augment the capacity of the national highway infrastructure in India.

The national highway network in the country has increased by 60 per cent from 91,287 km in 2014 to 146,145 km in 2023.

The NHs play a crucial role in the economic and social development of the country by enabling the efficient movement of freight and passengers and improving access to markets.

Currently, India has about 66.71 lakh km of road network, which is the second largest in the world.