Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan directs speedy completion of National Highway works

Thiruvananthapuram: Kerala Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan on Thursday instructed that national highway development works be completed at the earliest, while strictly adhering to technical standards.

He was addressing a review meeting on highway projects, where he noted that although the National Highways Authority has generally performed well, progress has slowed down in certain areas, including Vatakara, Thuravoor, and Thiruvananthapuram.

Vijayan urged the authorities to take firm action against contractors responsible for delays. Highlighting a specific concern in Nadal, Kannur district, he said an underpass for bus movement must be constructed urgently. At present, buses are forced to travel up to Chala before returning, leading to protests from both operators and local residents. “This should be treated as a special case and resolved without delay,” the Chief Minister stressed.

He also emphasised that construction should not face obstructions and directed District Collectors and Police Chiefs to proactively address such issues through discussions. Given Kerala’s unique geography and dense population, highway works must be carefully planned, he added.

The Chief Minister further instructed that arbitration cases be settled within a fixed timeframe.

The review also examined deadlines for completing 642 km of roads across 17 stretches. Of this, 480 km is targeted for completion by December 2025, and 560 km by March 2026, according to a release from the CMO.

Public Works Minister P A Mohamed Riyas, Industries Minister P Rajeev, Electricity Minister K Krishnankutty, Chief Secretary V Jayathilak, Additional Chief Secretary Bishwanath Sinha, State Police Chief Ravada Chandrasekhar, PWD Secretary K Biju, District Collectors, and National Highways Authority Regional Officer Col A K Janbaz were among those present at the meeting.