Minister for Public Works

Kerala’s Socio-economic development reached such an important stage in the beginning of the twenty first century that further growth became possible only by reconstructing and modernising important roads in the State. At the national level when the important cities are to be interconnected with super highway corridors Kerala had to develop her own National Highway link roads to partake of the resultant economic growth. It seems the previous UDF Government was aware of the situation and started some road projects so as to enable the state to catch up with the rest of the country. But because of the lack of proper planning and poor coordination these projects were stuck halfway. Land acquisition for road widening could not be completed on time. Lack of planning of the UDF Government was thus the stumbling block in road development in the State. The LDF Government decided to move on a properly set out groundwork so that projects would not stop half way. Government speeded up measures to realise full development of all National Highways passing through the State. As a part of this effort discussions were held with the Central Government. Consequently Kerala entered into the State Support Agreement with the Centre. Decision was taken to develop NH 17 and NH 47 into four/six lane state super highways. The follow up measures are being taken by the Government showing enough urgency.