Gadkari announces 31 new road projects for Kerala worth Rs 50,000 cr

Kochi: Union Minister of Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari has assured the Centre’s full support for Kerala’s development, announcing major infrastructure projects worth Rs. 300,000 crore during the current central regime. Speaking via video message at the Invest Kerala Global Summit (IKGS) 2025, Mr. Gadkari revealed 31 new road projects for the state worth Rs. 50,000 crore.

“I assure you that we will develop good infrastructure of international standard in Kerala,” he said, emphasizing the importance of road infrastructure for the state’s tourism, business, and industry.

The minister listed tourism, MSME, coir and geotextile industry, rubber, and Ayurveda as key sectors with significant growth potential in Kerala. He highlighted completed road projects worth over Rs. 20,000 crore, while projects amounting to Rs. 60,000 crore are currently under implementation.

Among the newly announced road projects, five construction packages covering 120 km at a cost of Rs. 10,840 crore are in the bidding stage, with work expected to commence within three months. Another major initiative involves a Rs. 10,800 crore project ensuring seamless connectivity between Palakkad and Kozhikode, linking northern Kerala with Salem.

Mr. Gadkari also announced the Ernakulam Bypass (Angamaly-Kundannoor Bypass) project, spanning 45 km and costing Rs. 6,500 crore. Work is set to begin within six months, reducing travel time from 1.5 hours to just 20 minutes. Additionally, the Rs. 5,000 crore Thiruvananthapuram Outer Ring Road project (68.7 km) will enhance connectivity to Vizhinjam Port once land acquisition is completed.

The Union Minister also revealed the Rs. 3,000 crore four-laning of the Edamon-Kollam NH, with work expected to start within four to five months. The project, which will cut travel time between Kollam and Madurai from six hours to two, is currently in the detailed project report (DPR) stage.

Reflecting on his tenure as Union MSME Minister, Mr. Gadkari underscored Kerala’s coir industry’s potential through coir fibers and geotextiles. He also highlighted the vast opportunities in tourism and Ayurveda, which attract both domestic and international visitors.

Praising Kerala’s rich cultural heritage, healthcare, education, and resilient spirit, he stated, “Kerala’s history is a history of our country.”