en.Wedoany.com Reported - The central government has approved ₹20.39 billion for national highway development in Kerala, a decision announced by Public Works Minister P. K. Basheer following talks with the Union Minister for Road Transport and Highways. The funds will be allocated to five recently implemented projects, with the announcement made after a meeting between state and central officials in New Delhi.

Specific project allocations include: ₹400 million for the construction of the Bairakuppa Bridge to improve connectivity between Kerala and Karnataka; ₹984 million for National Highway 744 connecting Thirumangalam in Tamil Nadu and Kollam in Kerala; and ₹1.72 billion for the Kozhikode to Palakkad national highway section. These allocations are part of a larger plan to upgrade major corridors and reduce bottlenecks.

The central government has given in-principle approval for ropeway projects in Sabarimala, Munnar, and Wayanad, with a detailed project report for the Sabarimala ropeway to be prepared soon. Additionally, an agreement has been reached to approve ₹16.63 billion for widening the Kadavoor-Chengannur-Aanjilimoodu section of the Kollam-Theni National Highway to four lanes. The Union Minister has reportedly assured that the Adimali-Kumily expansion project will be approved soon.

The central government has also directed the construction of an elevated road from Ramanattukara in Kozhikode to Calicut International Airport, and the connection of the Willingdon Island-Kundannoor spur road with the Aroor-Angamaly spur road. Approval for the realignment of the Kothamangalam and Muvattupuzha spur roads is expected within three months, while the route for the Kodungallur-Angamaly spur road will be finalized soon. State officials stated that these measures aim to improve freight movement and airport accessibility across the state.