Public Works Minister P. K. Basheer said the central government has sanctioned Rs 20.39 billion (bn) for the development of national highways in Kerala following talks with the Union Road Transport and Highways Minister. The funding is earmarked for five projects that will be implemented across the state. The Centre has allocated Rs 400 million (mn) for the construction of the Bairakuppa Bridge to strengthen connectivity with Karnataka, and Rs 984 mn for works on National Highway 744 that links Thirumangalam in Tamil Nadu with Kollam in Kerala. A further Rs 1.72 bn has been approved for the Kozhikode?Palakkad National Highway to address congestion and improve travel times. In addition, the government has given in?principle approval for ropeway projects at Sabarimala, Munnar and Wayanad, and the Detailed Project Report for the Sabarimala ropeway will be prepared soon. An agreement was reached for central approval worth Rs 16.63 bn to develop the Kadavoor?Chengannur Aanjilimoodu stretch of the Kollam?Theni National Highway into a four?lane road. The Union minister indicated that approval for the Adimali?Kumily widening project would be granted soon. The Centre has instructed construction of an elevated highway from Ramanattukara in Kozhikode to Calicut International Airport, and plans were outlined to connect the Willingdon Island?Kundannoor Bypass with the Aroor?Angamaly Bypass. Approval for the revised alignments of the Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha bypasses is expected within three months, while the alignment for the Kodungallur?Angamaly Bypass will be finalised soon. Officials said the measures aim to reduce bottlenecks and support regional commerce. The minister described the package as a significant boost to infrastructure in Kerala and said the projects are intended to enhance safety and support economic activity. Implementation schedules and detailed timelines were discussed with the Union ministry and will be set out as project reports are finalised.