The National Highways Authority of India (NHAI) has completed a preliminary survey for the proposed Kayamkulam-Thoothukudi road project.
In a statement issued on Sunday, Kodikunnil Suresh, MP, said that a request had earlier been submitted to Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways Nitin Gadkari for a National Highway (NH) connecting Kayamkulam and Thoothukudi, passing through Charummoodu, Adoor, Pathanapuram and Punalur.
The Mavelikara MP said that a section of the road from Kayamkulam to Punalur would be upgraded to NH as part of the proposed road project. “As per the proposal submitted to the Union Minister, the NHAI completed the preliminary survey covering the 57-km stretch from Kayamkulam to Punalur. This stretch will commence from Kayamkulam KSRTC Junction passing through Charummoodu, Nooranad, Aadikkattukulangara, Pazhakulam, Adoor, Ezhamkulam, and Pathanapuram before reaching Punalur,” Mr. Suresh said.
He said the survey conducted by the NHAI found that the existing road has very high traffic density, leading to a proposal being prepared for a new four-lane highway. “Two major bridges will need to be constructed along the route. Additionally, a flyover will have to be built at Charummood Junction and development of Adoor High School Junction will have to be carried out as part of the project,” Mr. Suresh said.
The Mavelikara MP said the road would provide direct connectivity from Tamil Nadu’s Thoothukudi, Tirunelveli, Madurai, Rajapalayam, and Tenkasi to NH 66. It will also enable faster connectivity to Kollam-Theni NH 183, Bharanikkavu-Mundakayam NH 183A, Thiruvananthapuram-Angamaly Main Central Road, Punalur-Muvattupuzha State Highway, and Kollam-Tirumangalam NH 744. Once the highway becomes a reality, it will enable faster transportation of goods from Thoothukudi Port to Kochi Port and Vizhinjam Port, Mr. Suresh said.
