The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has initiated work to develop five new national highway projects in Kerala, aimed at strengthening regional connectivity and easing travel across key transport corridors.

According to Public Works Minister P.A. Mohamed Riyas, the NHAI has begun the process of preparing project documents for upgrading major stretches, including the Ramanattukara–Kozhikode Airport Road, Kannur Airport Road (Chovva–Mattannur), Kodungallur–Angamaly Road, and Vypeen–Matsyafed Tourist Office Road, to national highway status. In addition, proposals are underway for the construction of the Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha bypasses along the Kochi–Madurai National Highway.

The NHAI has already commenced the tender process to select an agency for preparing the detailed project reports (DPRs). The move follows a request from the Kerala government, which has been advocating for the upgradation of more state roads to national highway standards.

A recent meeting chaired by the Chief Minister submitted a detailed proposal urging the NHAI to expand the national highway network within the state. The Minister said the development of these roads has been a long-standing demand of local communities, who have faced congestion and poor connectivity in these regions.

Under the proposal, the 12-kilometre Ramanattukara–Kozhikode Airport Road and the 20-kilometre Kodungallur–Angamaly (Western Ernakulam Bypass) will be expanded into four-lane highways, while the 30-kilometre Kannur Airport Road and the 13-kilometre Vypeen–Matsyafed Road will be developed into two-lane paved shoulders. Similarly, the Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha bypasses will be built as two-lane paved roads to improve traffic flow and reduce urban congestion.

Minister Riyas emphasised that the state government will remain actively involved throughout the project’s implementation to ensure timely execution. He stated, “Continuous interventions from the state will be made to ensure that these projects are completed at the earliest.”

Once completed, these projects are expected to significantly enhance road infrastructure, improve airport access, and facilitate economic growth by boosting tourism and trade routes across Kerala.